View of Smyrna (Izmir) 1779

N. Knop's 'View of Smyrna', created with an unknown medium, presents us with a tranquil scene that belies the bustling port city's complex social and economic history. Here, the visual codes are embedded in the maritime activity and the city's skyline. Smyrna, now Izmir, was a crucial trading hub in the Ottoman Empire, a melting pot of cultures and commerce. European flags flutter from the ships, indicating the reach of international trade agreements. The walled city suggests both protection and the clear boundaries of social order within. We can imagine that the artist was commissioned by a European merchant seeking to document their link to this lucrative port. Understanding this artwork means diving into archives of trade records, diplomatic correspondence, and travelogues. Such research reveals how art like this reflects and reinforces the social structures of its time, celebrating the city as a safe place to conduct business.