Monument De Eendracht, ofwel 'Naatje op de Dam', Amsterdam 1856 - 1861

Pieter Oosterhuis made this stereograph of the Monument De Eendracht, also known as 'Naatje op de Dam', in Amsterdam. As an artwork, the stereograph’s political role may be understood through its ability to shape public perception. By employing visual codes and historical associations, the image fosters a sense of national pride and unity centered on the physical space of Dam Square. It serves as a reminder of the social conditions and values that the monument represents. Created in the Netherlands, the image reflects cultural references tied to Dutch identity, such as the concept of unity, the importance of national symbols, and the institutional history of public art. The photograph invites reflection on the monument's purpose and significance. To truly understand this stereograph we need to look at municipal archives, newspaper reports, and the records of the photographic societies that shaped Oosterhuis’s career. This photograph, like all art, must be understood in its institutional and social context.