Gezicht op de Schreierstoren te Amsterdam 1769 - 1783

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips made this print of the Schreierstoren in Amsterdam sometime in the late 18th century. It shows the tower from the waterfront, with boats on the water, a tree at the front, and a sense of daily life in the city. Prints like this one played an important role in shaping civic identity in the Dutch Republic. They document the urban environment and serve as a kind of advertisement for the city's commercial power, with ships coming and going. They were often commissioned by the city councils to promote tourism and trade. The Schreierstoren itself was part of the city's fortifications, a reminder of Amsterdam's military and economic power. This image creates meaning by associating Amsterdam with a sense of order, prosperity, and security. To understand this print fully, we can consult city archives, travel accounts, and other visual materials. These resources help us understand the print's role in shaping Amsterdam's identity and promoting its interests.