Blick auf Frankfurt am Main vom Mühlberg aus gesehen, im Vordergrund, von der Stadtmauer umschlossen, Sachsenhausen c. 1625

Matthäus Merian the Elder made this line drawing depicting Frankfurt am Main, viewed from Mühlberg, sometime before his death in 1650. The image reflects the socio-political landscape of the early 17th century, a period marked by the Thirty Years' War. The walled city of Frankfurt, prominently featured, highlights the importance of urban centers as fortified entities. The composition emphasizes the city's architecture, with the church dominating the skyline, reminding us of the power of the church at this time. This drawing is more than a depiction of place; it's a window into the priorities of a society living in an age of conflict. Art historians would look at city records, military history, and religious documents to more fully understand the context of this drawing. Understanding art means situating it within its specific social and institutional realities.