Gezicht op de Vierde Haarlemmerpoort in Amsterdam 1772

Daniël Stopendaal created this print of the Gezicht op de Vierde Haarlemmerpoort in Amsterdam sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. The print gives us a glimpse into the economic and social life of the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam’s physical and social landscape was changing rapidly as it became a global center for trade and migration. Images of the city and its landmarks played a role in shaping local identities and civic pride. The Haarlemmerpoort, with its imposing architecture and busy waterways, would have been a potent symbol of Amsterdam’s power. We can also notice the small figures in boats and on the bridge who seem dwarfed by the architecture. This contrast might reflect the lives of ordinary people against the backdrop of burgeoning capitalism. How does this image reflect the dynamic between individual experience and the overarching narratives of progress and prosperity?