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Then and Now (Part 1)


I have two hand-colored etchings from Fouquet's Atlas of Amsterdam (circa 1760-1783).

One shows a view of the Munttoren (Mint Tower) from along the Amstel. The second shows a view of the old Beurs from the Rokin (the bitter end of the Amstel). After trying to find the same vantage, I've decided that the etchings include more than could be seen from any particular point. This isn't unusual, but it did make it harder to reproduce the views.

Below is a photo of the 1st etching (with my reflection in it!) and followed by a modern view of the Mint Tower.


Munttoren 1780

Munttoren 2006

Here is a zoomed in shot of the tower. You can make out the cock weathervane on top.


Munttoren 2006 zoomed

Oh, the clock and bells do work. At Noon I had the Munttoren in front of me and the Zuiderkerk to my right and the alternating bells as they struck the hour was neat. Here's a closer look at the church's clock and bells.




More images from the Atlas can be seen on this dealer's site. (No endorsement implied.)



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