Gezicht op Zug, 1726 1726

This depiction of Zug, made in 1726 by an anonymous artist, is an engraving. Notice how the city unfolds as a dense tapestry of buildings, fortifications, and natural features, all meticulously rendered with fine lines incised into a copper plate. The process behind this image speaks volumes about the cultural and economic landscape of the time. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master the use of burins and other tools. The precision required suggests a well-established workshop setting, where labor was carefully divided and specialized. Look closely, and you'll see how the city's layout reflects its social structure, the imposing walls speaking to the need for defense. The very act of mapping and documenting the city can be understood as an exercise in power, asserting control over space and resources. By appreciating the material and the processes involved in its creation, we gain a deeper insight into the historical context from which it emerged.