Gezicht op Amsterdam, gezien vanaf de oostelijke Amsteloever after 1668

This print of Amsterdam, viewed from the east bank of the Amstel River, was made anonymously around 1668. It depicts a city undergoing transformation, one that reflects the changing social and economic landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. In the image, we see the physical expansion of Amsterdam, marked by new fortifications. These are a testament to both the city's growing wealth and its strategic importance. The city’s skyline, punctuated by windmills and church spires, speaks to its economic activity and religious life. It is a bird’s-eye view that would have resonated with merchants, tradesmen, and citizens invested in the city’s progress. The print, therefore, becomes a form of civic boosterism, advertising Amsterdam’s success. Understanding this artwork requires delving into archival records, maps, and economic histories. These resources reveal the intricate relationship between urban development, trade, and the social fabric of 17th-century Amsterdam. The art becomes a window into understanding the relationship between institutional context and social conditions.