Gezicht op de Beurs van Rotterdam 1839 - 1846

Cornelis Gerrit Verburgh created this print of the Rotterdam Stock Exchange, a vital signifier of the Netherlands' economic power during the 19th century. Verburgh's detailed rendering of the Exchange invites us to consider the relationship between commerce, governance, and public life during this era. The Exchange stands as a physical embodiment of wealth and aspiration, yet the figures crossing the bridge remind us of the human element that drives economic activity. We might ask, who had access to this world of finance, and who was excluded? The inclusion of Dutch, English, and French titles hints at Rotterdam's role as an international hub for trade. As you contemplate Verburgh's print, consider the complex interplay of local identity and global exchange that has shaped not only Rotterdam but the world we inhabit today. The image asks us to reflect on the legacies of trade, and their effects on society.