Plattegrond van en gezicht op Oudenaarde 1652

This anonymous engraving depicts a plan and view of Oudenaarde. It gives us a bird's-eye view of the city. The layout is clearly structured. It is surrounded by fortifications. These acted as both a defensive measure and a symbol of civic pride. Made in the Low Countries, where cartography flourished, this image reflects the concerns of a society deeply invested in trade and defense. The attention to detail, from individual buildings to the layout of streets, underscores the importance of civic order and planning. The inclusion of coats of arms reinforces the power structures that governed the city. Such images were not merely neutral records. They actively shaped how people perceived their environment. They promoted a sense of collective identity and belonging. As historians, we consult archival records, maps, and other visual sources. These allow us to gain insight into the social and institutional contexts. The image, therefore, isn't just a representation. It's a social artifact, contingent on time and place.