Gezicht op de Stads Geschut- en Klokkengieterij aan de Lijnbaansgracht te Amsterdam 1778

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips created this print of the Amsterdam gun and bell foundry sometime in the 18th century. The Dutch Republic was a major player in global trade and naval power, and Amsterdam was at its heart. This image offers a glimpse into the infrastructure that supported the Republic’s military and economic ambitions. The foundry, built in 1778, made both the weaponry for colonial expansion and the bells that marked time and structured social life in Amsterdam and beyond. It gives us a sharp understanding of the relationship between industry, militarism, and civic life. Look at the building’s facade. What does it say about the values and priorities of Amsterdam at the time? How do you think the workers felt about their role in this enterprise? While seemingly neutral, this image prompts us to consider the human stories behind the making of both weapons and symbols of peace.