Gezicht op de Schreierstoren te Amsterdam 1847 - 1891

Johan Conrad Greive created this print of the Schreierstoren in Amsterdam using etching techniques. The tower, a remnant of the city's old defensive walls, stands as a stoic witness to Amsterdam's maritime past. Made in the 19th century, this etching reflects a period when Dutch artists revisited historical themes, often emphasizing national identity and pride. The Schreierstoren, known as the "weeping tower," carries a heavy weight of historical connotations. It's a monument to Dutch exploration and colonialism, a departure point for voyages to the East Indies, and a place where women bid farewell to sailors, often never to see them again. Greive's choice to depict it suggests an interest in the stories and emotions embedded within the city's architecture. To understand Greive’s work fully, we need to consider its place within the artistic and cultural institutions of the time, researching exhibition records, critical reviews, and the social networks in which Greive operated. The meaning of art is always shaped by the context in which it’s created and received.