Gezicht op de Oude Stadsherberg aan het IJ in Amsterdam 1665

This is an anonymous rendering of the Oude Stadsherberg, or Old City Tavern, on the IJ in Amsterdam. In its time, this vibrant port was a nexus of global trade and cultural exchange. We can see the inn, and its piers teeming with figures, a small boat approaches, perhaps carrying merchants or travelers eager to quench their thirst. While the artist is unknown, their meticulous detail offers a glimpse into the daily life of Amsterdam's working class and merchant elite. It is a society undergoing significant transformation. The Dutch Golden Age was fuelled by colonial exploitation and the labor of enslaved people. This image provides a window into a world shaped by commerce, colonialism, and the complex social hierarchies of 17th-century Amsterdam. The work offers a moment to reflect on the stories and experiences that are often missing from the historical record.