Gezicht op de Haarlemmerpoort te Amsterdam 1736 - 1773

This is Jan Punt's rendering of the Haarlemmerpoort in Amsterdam. Punt, born in 1711, lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of immense economic and cultural prosperity for the Netherlands, but also a period defined by its colonial enterprises and exploitative trade practices. Here, the Haarlemmerpoort is depicted not just as a structure but as a social space. The waterway is busy with figures, the windmill looms, and the sky seems to stretch endlessly over the scene. It’s tempting to see a romantic depiction of Dutch industriousness and pride. However, this image exists within a larger context of Dutch colonial history. The wealth that funded the Dutch Golden Age was often directly derived from the exploitation and suffering of others. Punt’s print invites us to reflect on how images of national identity are carefully constructed and promoted. What stories do they tell, and what do they leave out? As you look at this landscape, consider what you don't see, and let the print be a space to reflect on how societal narratives are shaped.