Gesloopte huizen aan het Schapenplein te Amsterdam, 1877 1877

This photograph of demolished houses on Schapenplein in Amsterdam was taken in 1877 by an anonymous photographer. The image captures a moment of urban transformation, reflecting Amsterdam's rapid development and modernization during the late 19th century. The crumbled brick and stone where homes once stood speak to the changing social landscape. Who were the people displaced by this demolition, and where did they go? This was a time of significant social stratification, as industrialization and economic growth often came at the expense of working-class communities. Notice the lone figure standing amidst the rubble. Is he a worker, a resident, or simply a passerby? His presence invites us to consider the human impact of urban renewal. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the lives and histories embedded within the built environment, prompting us to reflect on whose stories are preserved and whose are erased in the name of progress.