Gezicht op de Binnen-Amstel en de Amstelsluizen 1694 - 1697

Jan van Call made this print of the Binnen-Amstel and the Amstelsluizen in the late 17th or early 18th century. During this time, Amsterdam was a center of global trade, and the waterways were its lifeblood. This image offers us a glimpse into the economic activity that shaped the city's identity. The Amstelsluizen, or locks, regulated the water level and facilitated the passage of goods. We can see boats laden with cargo, manned by figures who represent the labor that fueled Amsterdam's prosperity. The print invites us to consider the experiences of these workers, often anonymous, who played a crucial role in the city's success. The composition divides our attention between the bustling waterways and the architecture along the banks. This juxtaposition reminds us of the complex relationship between the built environment and the natural world. The scene speaks to a time of great transformation, as Amsterdam navigated its identity as a global power.