Gezicht op Frankfurt am Main 1643 - 1679

This is an undated, unsigned print titled 'Gezicht op Frankfurt am Main,' or 'View of Frankfurt on the Main.' Produced during a time of significant urban and economic transformation in Frankfurt, this print offers insight into how the city presented itself. Frankfurt, a hub of trade and commerce, was also a site of political power and cultural exchange. What does it mean to capture a city in an image? Whose perspectives are prioritized, and whose are left out? The print, adorned with heraldic symbols, speaks to civic pride. Yet, the idyllic portrayal contrasts sharply with the lived realities of many residents. Frankfurt's history is intertwined with class struggles and religious tensions, often absent from such celebratory depictions. This image serves not just as a window onto the past, but also as a reminder of the complexities inherent in representing any place or community. What does it mean to really see a city?