Gezicht op Edinburgh 1801 - 1802

James Fittler created this aquatint of Edinburgh, capturing a moment in the city’s development. The image reflects the burgeoning industrial age of the late 18th and early 19th century. Edinburgh, often romanticized, was a city deeply divided along class lines. Fittler’s print offers a glimpse into this social stratification. The bridge, an architectural marvel, literally spans the divide between the old and new towns. Yet, it also symbolizes the economic and social gaps that persisted. Think about how this physical structure facilitated movement, commerce, and potentially social interactions, but also how it might have reinforced existing power dynamics. By choosing this viewpoint, Fittler invites us to consider the transformations reshaping Edinburgh and perhaps, the complex layers of its society. What do you feel when looking at this image of a city in transition?