Amsterdam, Oudezijds Voorburgwal (Wallen district) – Leon Schenk, c. 1720

THE WALLEN IN AMSTERDAM

“Gezicht langs de Bierkay en de Groenmarkt. Te sien naar de Oude Kerk tot Amsterdam” (View along the Bierkaai and the Groenmarkt. Looking toward the Old Church in Amsterdam). Engraving printed from two copper plates. Made around 1720 by Jan Schenk after a drawing by Abraham Rademaker. Published by Leon Schenk. COloured by a later hand. Size: 57.1 × 100.5 cm.

Depicted is the Oudezijds Voorburgwal with the Old Church (Oude Kerk). The church assumed its current form in 1571 through various additions. Its tower was completed in 1566, and the carillon by Hemony dates from 1658. Hanging in the tower is Amsterdam’s oldest bell, cast in 1450. On Oudekerksplein, a vegetable market is underway. Goods arrive via the canal, delivered in baskets on rowboats.

This part of the Oudezijds Voorburgwal was once known as a “bierkaai”, or beer quay—a landing where barrels of beer arrived and were handled by strong labourers who loaded and unloaded the heavy casks. The residents of this area were reputed to be fierce and unbeatable brawlers. This reputation gave rise to the Dutch expression “vechten tegen de bierkaai” (fighting the beer quay): to struggle in vain or take on a hopeless cause.

This print is part of a series of 25 very rare city views, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily life and commerce of early 18th-century Amsterdam.

Literature: Auction catalogue collection De Vries (1925), no. 279

Price: Euro 4.150,- (incl. frame)