Gezicht op Middelburg (eerste deel) 1616 - 1679

"Gezicht op Middelburg (eerste deel)" is a 17th-century etching by François Schillemans, depicting a panoramic view of the Dutch city of Middelburg. This detailed artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the city's landscape with meticulous precision, including its fortifications, buildings, and natural features. The etching's historical significance lies in its accurate portrayal of Middelburg during the Dutch Golden Age, offering valuable insights into urban planning, architecture, and daily life of the time. The artist’s meticulous depiction of architectural details, including the city's iconic buildings and fortifications, makes this work a valuable historical document. The inclusion of figures in the foreground adds a human element to the landscape, depicting the bustling activity that characterized the city's daily life.