Buitenkant te Amsterdam, ca. 1810-1813 Possibly 1810 - 1825

Evert Maaskamp made this print of Amsterdam around 1810, using etching and possibly some hand coloring. Notice how the etched lines define the contours of the architecture and the rigging of the ships. The print gives us a fascinating glimpse into the industrial landscape of the time. The scene bustles with activity, depicting the labor involved in maintaining Amsterdam's maritime trade. The tall ships on the water indicate global commerce, while the bridge and smaller vessels represent the local economy. Consider the human element - the workers on the boats, the pedestrians crossing the bridge – all active participants in this economic ecosystem. Maaskamp’s print reminds us that art is not separate from the world of work. The materials and labor involved in its creation, as well as the activities it depicts, contribute to its meaning. This artwork invites us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the underlying social and economic structures.