Gezicht op een brug bij het Rokin te Amsterdam 1770

This print, "View of a Bridge near the Rokin in Amsterdam," was created by Willem Writs, probably in the mid-18th century. It’s an etching, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate using acid, then printed. Look closely, and you'll see the fine, precise lines that define the scene. The material quality of the print is important here. This wasn't a unique artwork, but one of many impressions pulled from the plate. It speaks to the rise of print culture, with images circulating widely and helping to shape perceptions of places like Amsterdam. This was a city built on trade and commerce. Notice how Writs depicts the bustling activity along the canal, the figures engaged in conversation, the boats moving goods. The print isn't just a record of a specific place, it's a product of its time. It reflects the growing importance of visual media in shaping our understanding of the world, and the transformation of art from unique object to reproducible commodity.