Gezicht aan de vervallen wal te Amsterdam aan de stadszijde tussen de Muiderpoort en de Weesperpoort 1807

Jan Hulswit painted this evocative scene of Amsterdam using oil on panel. A traditional medium prized for its ability to capture light and texture with great nuance. Look closely, and you'll see how Hulswit skillfully manipulates the oil paint to render the atmospheric conditions of the landscape. The panel support would have provided a smooth, stable surface for his detailed brushwork. The painting offers a glimpse into the social context of 18th-century Amsterdam. Windmills like the one depicted were vital to the Dutch economy, providing power for industries like milling grain and sawing wood. Hulswit's choice of subject matter reflects the importance of these industries, and the working class people who depended on them for their livelihoods. By attending to the materials, making, and context, we can appreciate Hulswit's artistry and gain insight into the cultural landscape of his time, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.