Plattegrond van Leiden 1762

This is an anonymous map of Leiden, created as an engraving. Leiden, in the Netherlands, was a prominent center of trade and culture in the early modern period. Looking closely, we see Leiden represented here as both a physical space and a symbol of civic identity. The highly detailed layout emphasizes the city's infrastructure but also the fortifications. This engraving highlights the social order of the time, with its planned districts and prominent religious buildings. The presence of fortifications reflects the city's need for defense in a turbulent political climate. Consider the map as a tool that served administrative and representational purposes. This piece of art tells us a great deal about the values of Dutch society at the time. To learn more, one could consult historical archives, urban planning documents, and period maps. Through such research, we discover the dynamic interplay between art, society, and institutions.