Plattegrond van Heilbronn, ca. 1693-1696 1693 - 1696

This is an ink drawing, made around 1693 to 1696 by an anonymous artist, depicting a plan of Heilbronn, in modern-day Germany. The image shows the city surrounded by fortifications and natural barriers. The cultural references are mainly military and strategic, typical of the late 17th century when the balance of power in Europe was constantly challenged in a series of wars. The position of the city along the river Neckar influenced its economic and defensive capabilities. Heilbronn, as a Free Imperial City, possessed certain autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire. Maps like these were not just geographical tools; they symbolized power, control, and civic pride. The details included reflect an institutional desire to project an image of strength and order. The historian helps us to understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production by consulting archives, comparing different maps, and studying the political history of the city. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.