Gezicht op de Nieuwe Stadsherberg aan het IJ c. 1860 - 1875

This is an anonymous photograph of Gezicht op de Nieuwe Stadsherberg aan het IJ which resides at the Rijksmuseum. The image offers a glimpse into the bustling harbor life of Amsterdam, likely in the 19th century, capturing a moment in time when maritime activity was central to the city's identity and economy. The social fabric of Amsterdam at this time was complex, marked by both prosperity and inequality. The city's identity as a global trading hub relied heavily on the labor of diverse groups, including sailors and dockworkers, whose stories are often missing from mainstream historical accounts. The photograph invites us to reflect on their experiences and contributions. Consider how the artist—though unknown—chose to frame this scene. Does it romanticize the maritime industry, or does it offer a more grounded portrayal? Think, too, about the viewers of this photograph in its time: What would they have seen, and what meanings would they have drawn from it? In many ways, this photograph is a mirror reflecting the city’s past and raising questions about whose stories are remembered and celebrated.