Views of the Netherlands & Belgium
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Nicely hand-colored. Two small tape remains on reverse. Please study scan carefully.
This hand-colored engraving depicts a maritime scene in Amsterdam, capital of The Netherlands. The view shows the bustling waterfront, with sailboats navigating through choppy waters near the city’s piers. To the right of the image are the classic Dutch gabled buildings and a prominent tower, typical of Amsterdam’s architecture, which suggests the urban center’s close connection to the sea and trade. People are seen walking along the wooden docks, adding a sense of daily activity to the scene.
Maker and Technique:
- The print was created by Bourgin (del. & sc.), who is both the draftsman ("del." stands for "delineavit," meaning "he/she drew it") and the engraver ("sc." stands for "sculpsit," meaning "he/she engraved it").
- The engraving was published by Furne, based in Paris, which is indicated below the image.
- This is a hand-colored steel engraving, a common technique in the 19th century. After the image was engraved into a steel plate, it was printed and then meticulously hand-colored to add depth and detail to the scene.
Year:
- Although the exact year is not specified on the print itself, based on the style and technique, it likely dates to the mid-19th century, around 1850–1860. This period corresponds to a time when hand-colored engravings of European cities were popular for both educational and decorative purposes.
This particular print reflects Amsterdam’s maritime heritage, captured through the fine detailing and vibrant hand-coloring that bring the scene to life.
