Gezicht op Mainz en de Rijn 1633

Matthäus Merian created this print of Mainz and the Rhine using etching. In the 17th century, prints like these served a crucial public function. They visually recorded the social spaces of a rapidly changing world, and made them legible to a growing reading public. Here, Merian’s image creates meaning through its representation of Mainz as a center of trade and governance. Consider how the orderly arrangement of buildings along the Rhine emphasizes the city's economic power, while also subtly communicating Mainz’s political stability. Germany at this time was undergoing immense change, and as a result, the demand for cityscapes increased. The meticulous details of the print – from the boats on the river to the architectural landmarks – invite viewers to interpret the city. Investigating sources from the era, such as city records, maps, and travelers' accounts, we can better understand the complex interplay of commerce, politics, and culture that shaped the world of the 17th century.