Gezicht op de kerk te Amstelveen after 1727

Abraham Rademaker created this print of the church in Amstelveen using etching and engraving techniques. As a document of place, this church signifies the religious life of the community but also the institutional powers that shaped daily existence in the Dutch Republic. Rademaker made many such topographical prints, often compiled into books and sold to an eager public keen to learn more about their country and its history. We might ask, who was the audience for these images, and how were they consumed? The inscription is in both Dutch and French, hinting at a sophisticated, international audience that wanted to experience Dutch culture through its buildings and monuments. To understand this artwork better, we can look into the history of the Dutch Reformed Church and its role in Dutch society. Researching local archives might reveal more about the specific history of this church. Doing so helps us see how this image reflects and shapes our understanding of Dutch history and identity.