Coppen Hagen / Cracovia / Colonia / Lisbona / Stockholm / Francfurt am Main / Antwerpen / Constantinopolis 1670 - 1672

This undated print from an unknown artist depicts bird’s-eye views of eight European cities in minute detail. Likely made in the Netherlands, these types of cityscapes became popular during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by burgeoning trade and the growth of urban centers. The images create meaning through visual codes that signal economic and political power. Each city is represented by its architecture, geography, and maritime activity. The inclusion of ships in nearly every panel points to the crucial role of sea trade in the economic prosperity of these cities. By immortalizing these urban centers, the print celebrates the wealth and influence of Europe's merchant class. Understanding this print requires considering the historical context of its production and consumption. Maps, travel accounts, and other forms of visual media were crucial in shaping Europeans' understanding of the world. Historians rely on archival research, cartographic analysis, and visual studies to unpack the complex meanings embedded in such images.