Gezicht op Arras, 1726 1726

This anonymous engraving titled 'Gezicht op Arras' or 'View of Arras' was made in 1726. The image presents a bird's eye view of Arras, a city in northern France, but it tells us so much more than geography. Engravings such as these were not simply documentation; they played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of cities and nations. They visually asserted power and grandeur, often idealizing urban spaces and erasing elements that did not fit a desired narrative. Note the meticulous detail given to the architecture, which speaks to the values of permanence and civilization, in stark contrast with the peasant workers on the outskirts of the town, leading their donkeys to the city gates. Consider this image as a form of propaganda, subtly reinforcing social hierarchies. The artist invites us to partake in a specific, curated vision of Arras. One can't help but wonder whose stories are not being told. Look closely, and ask yourself what this image includes, and what it chooses to omit.