Titelblad in: Bericht, wegens de nieuw-geïnventeerde en geoctroyeerde slang-brandspuiten uitgevonden door Jan en Nicolaes van der Heiden, 1677 1677

Jan Rieuwertsz created this title page as an engraving in 1677 for a report about newly invented fire hoses, printed in Amsterdam. The image serves as a fascinating lens through which to examine the intersection of innovation, public safety, and the burgeoning print culture of the Dutch Golden Age. In the 17th century, Amsterdam was a bustling center of trade and innovation. The city faced constant threats of fire due to its densely packed wooden structures. This context makes the invention of improved fire hoses – and the subsequent publication of this report – not just a matter of technological advancement, but a crucial element of urban life and governance. The title page itself, with its ornate typography and emblematic seal, speaks to the importance and official endorsement of this new technology. The phrase "Gedrukt voor D'Autheurs" (printed for the authors) reveals an emerging awareness of intellectual property and the commercial value of inventions. To understand this image better, we might consult city archives, patent records, and publications from the period about fire prevention and urban planning. The title page is more than just an announcement, it's a testament to the social and institutional forces that drove progress in 17th-century Amsterdam.