Gezicht op de Blokhuizen in de Amstel c. 1750 - 1789

This print, made by Caspar Jacobsz. Philips, presents two blockhouses erected on the Amstel River. The buildings, fortified with flags atop, evoke a sense of civic pride and power, standing as a symbol of Amsterdam's strength. These blockhouses, structures built on water, resonate with ancient symbols of power over the seas, echoing the naval dominance seen in classical depictions of Poseidon or Neptune. Water, often a symbol of the subconscious, further enriches the image, imbuing it with layers of deeper meaning. Think of the recurrent motif of fortified buildings on water throughout history, from the floating cities of Renaissance festivals to modern island fortresses. Each embodies a unique adaptation of defense and dominance. This image invites us to consider how symbols of power, adapted to their time, continue to stir our collective memory. It's a timeless dance between past and present, security and the unknown, all reflected in the still waters of the Amstel.