Gezicht op huizen in de Jan Luijkenstraat 1897

This is a print of houses in Jan Luijkenstraat in Amsterdam, made by Wegner & Mottu. Here we see how the artist uses architecture to create meaning. Amsterdam has a long history of wealthy merchants building impressive homes. Consider how this image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references and historical associations. This image reflects a specific time in Dutch history, the late 19th or early 20th century, when Amsterdam was undergoing rapid expansion and urban development. These houses likely represent the wealth and prosperity of the city's elite class. Did these houses comment on the social structures of their time? Did they critique the institutions of art? Understanding this print requires delving into the social and institutional contexts of its time. Researchers might consult architectural journals, city planning documents, and social histories of Amsterdam to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.