Gezicht op Amsterdam, gezien vanaf de Amstel 1723 - 1738

Jan Goeree created this print of Amsterdam from the Amstel River around the turn of the 18th century using etching. During this time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, with Amsterdam at its heart. Notice how the composition emphasizes the city's connection to the water, the lifeblood of its trade and expansion. The river teems with boats, suggesting bustling activity. Yet, this image is not just a neutral record. Goeree, like many artists of his time, was deeply influenced by the political and social structures of the Dutch Golden Age. The prosperity depicted here was built, in part, on the exploitation of enslaved people and the resources of colonized lands. The water was a highway that supported both local commerce and global trade. Consider how Goeree's work invites us to reflect on the complex layers of history embedded in this seemingly tranquil scene.