View of Mecca 1665

"View of Mecca" is a 1665 drawing by Flemish artist Jan Peeters, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. Peeters was known for his detailed depictions of cities and landscapes, often using a bird's-eye perspective. This particular work showcases the city of Mecca, a holy site for Muslims, surrounded by mountains. The drawing is executed in delicate, fine lines and focuses on capturing the urban layout and surrounding terrain. The distant buildings and surrounding landscape are rendered in a subtle and refined manner, while the foreground features a small group of figures, adding a sense of scale and human presence. The work is a valuable historical record of the city and exemplifies Peeters' skill as a topographical draughtsman.