View of Amsterdam (Vue d'Amsterdam), a tower and houses to left, men standing on the pier to right, many ships in the port in the background, from 'Views of seaports' (Vues de ports de mar) 1647

This etching, "View of Amsterdam" (Vue d'Amsterdam), created in 1647 by the Italian artist Stefano della Bella, offers a captivating glimpse of the bustling port city of Amsterdam. The print, part of his series "Views of Seaports" (Vues de ports de mar), depicts a detailed view of the city's waterfront, showcasing a towering structure on the left, alongside houses and a pier filled with figures. In the distance, a vast array of ships populate the harbor, emphasizing Amsterdam's prominent role as a maritime center during the Dutch Golden Age. Della Bella's expert use of hatching and cross-hatching effectively captures the architectural details of the buildings and the textures of the ships and water.