Gezicht op Chios 1690

Gaspar Bouttats created this print titled ‘View of Chios’ around 1670 using etching. Notice how the composition is meticulously structured to guide your eye through the landscape. The lines of the buildings, the shoreline, and even the rows of windmills create a sense of depth, pulling you into the scene. Bouttats masterfully uses line to define forms, from the detailed architecture of the town to the rough textures of the mountains. Consider how the city is fortified, projecting power and control over the sea. The cannon being fired is not just a detail; it’s a statement about territoriality and defense. This print isn't just a depiction of a place; it's a carefully constructed representation of power, trade, and the visual language of the 17th century.