Gezicht op Zaandam 1731 - 1809

Antoine Radigues made this print, titled ‘Gezicht op Zaandam’, using etching. The scene captures Zaandam, an important industrial area north of Amsterdam. In the 18th century, the area was the site of hundreds of windmills used for processing wood, grain, and other materials. These windmills are depicted on the horizon, their presence underscoring the region's economic vitality. The waterways are busy with boats, and this indicates the central role that Zaandam played in Dutch trade and shipping networks. Radigues’ print not only documents Zaandam’s commercial activity but also its picturesque qualities, thereby blending industry with an idealized vision of Dutch landscape. These images reflect the sense of national pride and economic optimism that prevailed in the Netherlands. Through its detailed depiction, this print offers an insight into the landscape, labor, and identity in the Dutch Golden Age.