Amsterdam – Johann Christoph Haffner, c. 1700

AMSTERDAM ON THE IJ, C. 1700

“Amstelodamum. Amsterdam.”, copper engraving printed from two plates, published in Augsburg by Johann Christoph Haffner (1668–1754), c. 1700. Coloured by a later hand. Size: approx. 27 × 66 cm.

Rare panoramic profile of Amsterdam, seen from the northern shore of the IJ. Almost the entire width of the city’s waterfront unfolds before us, with the numerous church towers, city gates and other landmarks that defined Amsterdam’s skyline around 1700 rising above it. The artist has particularly emphasised the towers, which soar conspicuously above the densely packed houses.

In the foreground lies the IJ, with various vessels. Particularly striking are the long rows of piles separating the harbour from the open waters of the IJ. This so-called palisade belt formed part of the city’s defences, provided sheltered moorings for ships, and could be closed at its openings with floating booms. The extensive waterfront emphasises the central importance of shipping and trade to Amsterdam in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

Below the view is an extensive numbered key in Latin and German. Thirty buildings and urban features are identified, including the premises of the Amsterdam Admiralty and the Dutch East India Company (VOC), city gates, churches and synagogues, towers, the stock exchange and the Town Hall. At upper left is the coat of arms of Amsterdam, while above the centre of the skyline the title appears on a fluttering banderole.

Literature: A.E. d’Ailly, “Repertorium van de profielen der stad Amsterdam en van de plattegronden der schutterswijken” (1953), no. 155.

Price: Euro 1.250,-