Amsterdam – Peter Schenk, 1680-1688

BUSY 17th CENTURY AMSTERDAM

“Amsteldaemi Novissima Delineato” [latest depiction of Amsterdam], copper engraving made by Peter Schenk 1680-1688. Coloured by a later hand. Size: 37,5 x 47,5 cm.

Peter Schenk the Elder (1660-1713) dedicated the map to Johannes Hudde, mayor of Amsterdam from 1672 to 1603. His coat of arms is at the bottom left of the map.

We see the city at the height of its power. Ships come and go, dozens are moored in the harbour. Where merchants and people from all religions brought knowledge from around the world. In the world’s first stock exchange goods from everywehere were traded.

Putti were drawn around the plan itself. They hold the curtains of the index and bear the city coat of arms (left) and the city seal (right). In the middle below the map we see the city’s maiden, flanked by, among others, Neptune god of the sea, the trade god Mercury and the river god of the IJ, they are watching over the citizens and their fortune. A horn of plenty is close by. Below the map there is a panoramic view of Amsterdam as seen from the IJ. Due to the large number of ships, we can hardly see the shore line. Churches dominate the skyline.

We also note that the islands of Marken and Uilenburg are fully built. At the time, those islands were mainly populated by Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe who sought refuge in Amsterdam.

Price: SOLD