Gezicht op Serravalle (Vittorio Veneto) 1704 - 1724

This is an undated, anonymous print titled "View of Serravalle (Vittorio Veneto)." Serravalle, now part of Vittorio Veneto, Italy, is rendered with the precision of a mapmaker and the artistry of a landscape painter. The work offers us a dual perspective, both an overview of the town's layout and an intimate glance at the figures populating the foreground. The meticulous detail given to the architecture and topography speaks to the values of order and control that defined much of early modern European society. Yet, within this structured representation, we also glimpse the human element: the travelers with their horse, rendered with an eye for their social roles and interactions. What stories do these figures hold? What journeys have they undertaken to arrive at this vista? The fortifications around the city hint at a history of conflict and protection, reflecting the shifting allegiances and power struggles of the region. As you consider this view, reflect on the layers of history and human experience embedded in the landscape before you.