Herengracht in Amsterdam gezien vanaf een brug c. 1875 - 1910

Andries Jager made this albumen print of the Herengracht in Amsterdam sometime in the 19th century. This street, named the "Gentlemen's Canal," was where the wealthiest merchants and regents of the city lived in the Dutch Golden Age. Taking a photograph like this in the 19th century involved a whole host of social and institutional frameworks, including the development of photographic technology, the commodification of images, and new opportunities to represent urban space. Jager’s composition, seen from a bridge, presents a serene view of the canal and its stately buildings, a scene that speaks to the wealth and orderliness of Amsterdam. The photograph is also a historical document that provides insight into the social and economic conditions of the time, and the urban planning and architecture of Amsterdam. As an art historian, I would consult period maps, city directories, and other visual materials to better understand the historical context of this image and the world it depicts.