Omslag voor serie gezichten op Rotterdam 1839 - 1846

This undated print by Cornelis Gerrit Verburgh serves as the cover for a series of views of Rotterdam. The trilingual title, in Dutch, English and French, points to Rotterdam's status as a burgeoning international port city. Produced in the early to mid-19th century, this print captures a moment of significant transformation, as Rotterdam sought to assert its identity on the global stage. The choice to present the city through multiple linguistic perspectives mirrors the city’s increasingly diverse population and its growing importance as a hub for international trade and cultural exchange. Notice how the design is dominated by language, reflecting the power of words to shape perceptions and construct identity. "Views" aren't just about landscape; they are about how we choose to see and represent ourselves and others. Consider how the act of viewing can be both an act of appreciation, but also one of asserting control over the narrative.