Gezicht op Schiedam 1666 - 1698

Joost van Geel created this print titled "View of Schiedam" using etching sometime in the second half of the 17th century. This is a fascinating depiction of a Dutch city at a time of great economic expansion, one fueled by overseas trade. Notice how the city is presented from the perspective of the water, with prominent ships at the ready. This wasn't a view available to just anyone, but particularly to merchants and traders coming to and from the port. The composition draws our eyes to the city's architectural landmarks, such as the church and windmills which are icons of Dutch industriousness. This image offers a window into the commercial culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Looking at city archives and trade records might reveal how Schiedam developed as a center of trade and how its identity was shaped by its economic activities. Approaching art through social and institutional history shows us how much more there is to discover.