Tuinbouwbedrijf Groenewegen & Co. te Amsterdam 1836 - 1912

This print of the Groenewegen & Co. Horticultural Establishment in Amsterdam, was made by Isaac Weissenbruch, using etching and possibly engraving. The fine lines created by these processes yield incredible detail, showing the glass greenhouses, rows of cultivated plants, and even figures working in the garden. The printmaking processes involved skilled handwork, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of both art production and horticulture at this time. Note the contrast between the greenhouses, symbols of controlled cultivation, and the industrial elements like the distant factory and the train carrying materials. This juxtaposition speaks to the changing landscape of Amsterdam as it industrialized, with traditional agricultural practices existing alongside new modes of production. Considering the materials and processes used in both the creation of the print and the cultivation depicted, we gain insight into the intersection of labor, industry, and the natural world in 19th-century Amsterdam. By examining these elements, we can appreciate the artwork as more than just a picture, but as a document of a specific time and place.