Gezichten op Zaandam van over het water gezien 1786 - 1792

Curator: This print, held in the Rijksmuseum’s collection, presents two views of Zaandam, dating back to between 1786 and 1792. The artist, Carel Frederik Bendorp, captured these scenes in detailed engravings. What's your initial impression? Editor: The neat rows of buildings, the tidy little boats—it feels almost idyllic, but with an undercurrent of… something. A sense of controlled activity, perhaps, like a carefully orchestrated stage set reflecting burgeoning capitalism and an increasingly strict civic order. Curator: An interesting read. It’s important to remember Zaandam was a significant industrial hub at this time, known for its windmills and shipbuilding. Bendorp presents not only the architecture but also provides a glimpse into the economic engines driving the Dutch Golden Age. Editor: Precisely. These images don’t just depict the physical space, they reflect a constructed narrative, an idea of Dutch progress and prosperity designed to project power. The ordering of space mirrored the control exerted over the populace and resources. I am drawn to the canal systems—transport routes were central to global networks that were changing the fabric of everyday life and politics in the 18th century. Curator: The composition in both the upper and lower images emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. Consider how the artist uses light and shadow, directing our eyes toward key buildings and waterways, effectively showcasing civic planning and economic activity within the same frame. Editor: I appreciate the technical skill in the engravings, capturing details of daily life; however, this piece is more than picturesque documentation. It's a visual declaration of power and the societal structures needed to extract from its people, the land, and to advance colonial projects in faraway places. Where and who are the people in the foreground serving and benefiting from all this activity? Curator: The historical context of these images can really enrich our viewing. Thank you for adding these dimensions to how we think about 18th century Zaandam! Editor: It has been a pleasure connecting this older artistic expression to ongoing present-day dialogues!