Gezicht op de toren Swych Utrecht en de Doelenstraat in Amsterdam 1860 - 1890

Andries Jager made this albumen print, titled 'View of the Swych Utrecht tower and the Doelenstraat in Amsterdam,' sometime in the 19th century. Back then, Amsterdam was a rapidly changing city, with new buildings and infrastructure projects constantly under construction. Photography played an important role in documenting these transformations. In this photograph, we see a picturesque view of the city, with the Swych Utrecht tower and the Doelenstraat reflected in the calm waters of the canal. The composition is carefully arranged, with the bridge leading the eye towards the tower and the buildings lining the street. Jager’s choice of subject matter and his meticulous attention to detail suggest a desire to capture and preserve a particular moment in Amsterdam's history. Understanding the social and institutional context in which this photograph was made can help us better appreciate its significance. By consulting historical archives, maps, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the urban landscape of 19th-century Amsterdam and the role that photography played in shaping our perception of it.