Amsterdam, a city steeped in history, is on the cusp ofcelebrating its 750th anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, filmmaker and artist Bob de Jong has created a captivating video that brings the city’spast to life, using AI to breathe life into centuries-old paintings.
De Jong’s video, a gift to the city, is a testament to thepower of technology to bridge the gap between past and present. It begins with a sketch by Rembrandt van Rijn, View of Amsterdam from the northwest, dating back to 1641. The sketch, initially static, transforms into a vibrant, moving scene, showcasing the city’s early development.
This was more or less the first view of Amsterdam as a city, De Jong explained to Parool. I think that’s a good start. He aimed tocapture the essence of Amsterdam’s early years, but acknowledged the limitations of available historical records. There are only written texts about that time, and I didn’t want to make anything up, he said.
De Jong’s video goes beyond iconic images like Rembrandt’s Night Watch, focusing on theeveryday life of Amsterdam’s citizens. I wanted to make the ‘real’ story, he explained. What would it look like if you were to travel back in time yourself? He sought to recreate the intimate, human experience of Amsterdam’s past, rather than a purely artistic interpretation.
The video concludes withIsaac Ouwater’s melancholic painting, De Sint-Antoniuswaag in Amsterdam, from 1780. This marks the end of the video’s journey, as the rise of photography in the late 18th century signaled a shift in how reality was captured. Painting, as itwere, handed over the baton to photography, De Jong explained. Where paintings are often still an interpretation of reality, photography is a direct reflection of it.
De Jong’s video is a testament to the enduring power of art and technology to connect us to the past. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of Amsterdam, inviting viewers to imagine the city’s transformation over centuries. As Amsterdam prepares to celebrate its 750th anniversary, De Jong’s video serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s enduring legacy.
References:
- Video: A look at Amsterdam in centuries past as city nears 750th birthday, NL Times, October 13, 2024.
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