Jan van der Heyden

Jan van der Heyden (1637-1712) was a Dutch Baroque-era painter, glass painter, draughtsman, and printmaker, celebrated for his detailed cityscapes, particularly of Amsterdam. Beyond his artistic endeavors, van der Heyden was also an inventor and engineer, significantly contributing to the development of firefighting technology, including the improvement of the fire hose in 1672. His work in designing a comprehensive street lighting scheme for Amsterdam, operational from 1669 until 1840, showcases his multifaceted talents.

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Van der Heyden's artistic mastery was so precise that he could individually detail each brick in his paintings, a feat that continues to amaze audiences. His innovative spirit extended beyond art, leading to the publication of "Brandspuiten-boek" in 1690, a fire engine book illustrating firefighting equipment with his own etchings.

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