Gezicht op Bergen (Noorwegen), 1665 1585 - 1665

This is an etching, "Gezicht op Bergen (Noorwegen)," created in 1665 by an anonymous artist. The detailed lines carve out a panoramic view of Bergen, Norway, evoking a sense of historical record blended with artistic interpretation. The composition is structured by a clear foreground of rocky terrain, leading the eye towards the city nestled by the water. The artist uses a high vantage point, compressing the space to display the town's layout, and the fortifications which are sharply delineated. The etching's form and texture are defined by a systematic use of line: dense and dark to suggest depth and shadow, sparse and light to indicate distance. This precise execution renders a topographical accuracy, while the inclusion of symbolic crests and a descriptive key merges visual art with cartographic science. It invites us to consider how art and knowledge intersected in the 17th century. The artwork, therefore, serves not just as a picture but as an artifact, reflecting early modern attempts to map, understand, and represent the world.