Gezicht op Amsterdam met beschrijving van de voornaamste gebouwen 1670

This anonymous print from 1670 presents a bird’s-eye view of Amsterdam, teeming with ships and spires. Its symbolic power lies in its depiction of Amsterdam as a thriving hub of global trade. Notice how the ships dominate the scene, their masts like a forest on the water. Ships, throughout art history, have symbolized journeys, exploration, and the transport of goods and ideas. Think of the ancient Egyptian funerary boats, or the Viking longships. Here, they reflect Amsterdam’s economic might. The city itself, a cluster of buildings punctuated by church towers, signifies stability and progress. Amsterdam was a beacon of religious tolerance and innovation. In that sense, this image captures a collective memory—a yearning for prosperity and freedom. Perhaps even a desire for novelty and connection to far flung lands and new ideas. It's an image of ambition, eternally reappearing in various forms throughout history.