Gezicht op de Haarlemmerpoort te Amsterdam 1828 - 1900

This print of the Haarlemmerpoort in Amsterdam, whose maker is now unknown, presents us with a placid scene. We see the gate itself, a bridge, and a few figures. But what can this image tell us about Dutch society? Prints like this were part of a booming industry. The Dutch Republic in this period was a mercantile power, with a large and prosperous middle class. This class had money to spend on art, but not necessarily on unique paintings that only the very wealthy could afford. This social condition meant there was a ready market for prints that depicted city views and other popular subjects. In this light, this image of the Haarlemmerpoort reflects not just a particular place, but also a particular moment in Dutch social and economic history. The placid appearance of the print speaks to a new kind of social order which was based on trade. To better understand this, we can consult archives and trade records to understand the place of art within Dutch society at this time.