Gezicht op Bordeaux in vogelvluchtperspectief 1572 - 1657

This is an anonymous bird's-eye view of Bordeaux, made with pen and watercolour. Imagine the cultural and economic significance of Bordeaux, a bustling port city, captured here through the eyes of someone unknown. This artwork provides a fascinating glimpse into urban life and trade. The high vantage point flattens the social hierarchy, giving us all access to this landscape. Yet the identity of the artist remains elusive, raising questions about who had the power to represent urban spaces and whose stories are left untold. The detailed rendering of buildings and ships evokes a sense of pride and prosperity, but also hints at the social inequalities inherent in a thriving mercantile center. As you gaze at this historical snapshot, consider how maps not only depict physical space, but also reflect the values, ambitions, and silences of their time.