Gezicht op de Nieuwe Korenbeurs te Amsterdam 1770

Willem Writs created this print of the Nieuwe Korenbeurs in Amsterdam, capturing the economic heart of the city. As an artist working in the 18th century, Writs navigated a society undergoing significant transformations, influenced by the Enlightenment and burgeoning global trade. This etching offers a glimpse into the world of commerce, yet also hints at the social stratification of the era. The figures populating the foreground are likely merchants, distinguished by their attire. But where are the laborers, the sailors, and the countless others whose work sustained this economy? Amsterdam was a hub of the Dutch Golden Age, and much of the wealth that passed through this Exchange was built on the backs of enslaved people. While not explicitly depicted, their absence speaks volumes, reminding us of the stories that are often left untold in these images of prosperity. Writs's print invites us to reflect on the complexities of history and consider the human cost behind the facade of economic success.