Gezicht op de Schinkel in Amsterdam vanaf de Overtoom c. 1730

Abraham Rademaker made this print of the Schinkel in Amsterdam from the Overtoom. It’s an image of everyday life in the Dutch Golden Age. Prints such as this played an important role in shaping Dutch national identity in the 18th century. They were made for a growing middle class with money to spend, helping to create a shared sense of place and history. Notice how Rademaker focuses on the bustling activity of the port, with people loading and unloading goods. This emphasis on trade and commerce reflects the economic priorities of the time. The print also highlights the importance of water management to the area. The canals, bridges, and boats reveal a society dependent on waterways for transportation and trade. To understand the full context of this print, historians consult city archives, trade records, and other visual sources, such as maps and similar prints. These resources help us see how art is always embedded in its time.