Waag op de Nieuwmarkt te Amsterdam 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh created this sketch of the Waag building on the Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam using pencil on paper. Vreedenburgh was a Dutch painter known for his cityscapes and landscapes, active in the early 20th century when the Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and social change. This sketch captures a moment in the daily life of Amsterdam, with figures gathered near the Waag, which historically served as a weighing house but also as a Guildhall. The sketch is a social snapshot, hinting at the roles and interactions of people within the urban environment. The Waag itself, initially a city gate, transformed into a site of commerce and community, reflecting Amsterdam's dynamic history as a center of trade and cultural exchange. Vreedenburgh's choice to focus on this location could be seen as a reflection on the city's evolving identity. It is an intimate look at the intersection of architecture, commerce, and the everyday lives of its inhabitants.