Night view, Amsterdam 1900

Andreas Achenbach painted this night scene of Amsterdam in 1889. It presents a moment of transition, as we can see the traditional methods of transport by sail giving way to the modern steam-powered boats, which signifies a shift in trade and the acceleration of the industrial revolution. Achenbach has presented a romantic view of the city, under the cover of darkness. The painting hints at the social structure of the city, we can see the lower classes gathered at the shoreline, contrasted by the looming tower that would have been a place of commerce and governance. The geography of Amsterdam is key to its social structure because the extensive waterways that were essential for trade also functioned as social and economic divisions. To fully understand this painting, research into the economic history of Amsterdam at the end of the 19th century would be essential. It is through this kind of research that we can consider how images create meaning through visual codes and historical associations.