Oost-west doorsnede van het stadhuis van Maastricht 1664

This is an east-west cross-section of Maastricht's city hall, made by Jan Matthysz. in the Dutch Republic. The drawing meticulously depicts the building's internal structure, revealing how civic power was made visible through architectural design. Consider the period: the Dutch Republic was a rising commercial power, and its city halls were symbols of civic pride and governance. This image, therefore, isn't just a technical drawing; it's a statement about the values of a society. The emphasis on order and structure in the drawing also reflects broader cultural values, such as the importance of rational planning and efficient administration. The relatively plain style is typical of Dutch Golden Age art, contrasting with the baroque styles in other parts of Europe. To better understand the image, we might look into the city archives of Maastricht to learn about the construction and the social role of the building. The history of Dutch civic architecture also offers a wealth of resources to interpret the cultural significance of this drawing.