Twee gezichten op de Montelbaanstoren te Amsterdam, waarvan één reproductie van een prent door Simon Fokke 1890 - 1900

This page features two images of the Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam, one a reproduction of a print by Simon Fokke. The juxtaposition invites us to consider how the tower was represented and perceived across time. Amsterdam in this period was a major center of trade and culture, and the Montelbaanstoren, originally a defensive tower, became a symbol of the city's identity. Its image, replicated and distributed through prints, played a crucial role in shaping Amsterdam's self-image and promoting it to the wider world. The tower thus became a signifier of Amsterdam's economic power, civic pride and cultural achievements. Analyzing these images can shed light on the values and priorities of the society that produced and consumed them. Catalogues, archives, and other historical resources can help us understand the changing role and meaning of landmarks like the Montelbaanstoren.