Warmoesgracht in Amsterdam, gezien richting het Paleis op de Dam 1855 - 1870

Pieter Oosterhuis made this albumen print of Warmoesgracht in Amsterdam, looking towards the Palace on the Dam. The photograph presents a seemingly neutral view, yet it participates in constructing a particular image of Amsterdam. Think about the rapid urbanization occurring in the Netherlands during the nineteenth century. The image presents an orderly view of the city, with the Palace, a symbol of national authority, in the background. The clean lines of the canal and bridge suggest progress and control over the environment. This was also the period when photography was becoming more accessible. Institutions like museums and historical societies began using photography to document cities and their changing landscapes. This image would have contributed to a sense of civic pride and national identity. To understand this photograph, we can look at city archives, historical maps, and studies of urban development in Amsterdam during the 19th century. By doing this, we see it’s more than just a picture; it is part of the story of how Amsterdam saw itself and wanted to be seen.