Titelpagina voor: Francofurtum ad Moenum Floridum, 1738 1738

This is a title page for "Francofurtum ad Moenum Floridum," made in 1738 by Johann Andreas Pfeffel. It presents the symbolic essence of Frankfurt through words. The elaborate script and heraldic language evoke the city's status as a center of power and commerce within the Holy Roman Empire. The phrase "Reichs-Stuhl und Handel-Stadt"—"Imperial Seat and Trading City"—encapsulates Frankfurt's dual identity. We can see how a city defines itself not only through its physical attributes but also through its aspirations. Consider the ancient Roman use of inscriptions on triumphal arches or public monuments; a similar impulse is at play here. The text becomes an emblem of civic pride. This impulse resurfaces throughout history, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern advertising. Each iteration reflects the cultural values and psychological needs of its time. This title page is more than just a label; it’s a declaration, a statement of identity rendered in ink and ambition.