Gezicht op het Entrepotdok in Amsterdam richting het westen 1833

This print by Petrus Josephus Lutgers captures the Entrepotdok in Amsterdam, likely made around the mid-19th century. The Entrepotdok, or 'entrepot dock', was a place where goods could be stored without import duties – a key part of Amsterdam's economic infrastructure. The image shows the dock as a hive of activity with workers loading goods onto boats. This commercial hustle and bustle visualizes the cultural and political life of Amsterdam at the time. The Netherlands was a major trading power, and Amsterdam its financial center. The city was home to a powerful merchant class, and its institutions, such as the stock exchange and the Bank of Amsterdam, were among the most advanced in the world. To really understand this print, we'd want to delve into the archives, looking at records of trade and shipping. The social history of Amsterdam, particularly the role of its merchant class, is key to unlocking the meaning of this image.