Gezicht op Blois in vogelvluchtperspectief 1657 - 1682

This is an anonymous, undated bird’s-eye view of Blois. Likely part of a larger atlas, the print provides a detailed depiction of the city. As an anonymous work, our understanding of the artist's identity and personal experiences is limited, urging us to consider the broader social and cultural contexts of map-making during this time. Mapping was an act of power, charting territory for trade, military strategy and governance. This map offers a blend of objective documentation and aesthetic representation, and was a careful construction of urban space to reflect the values and priorities of its patrons. Cartography during this period often served colonial interests, and maps could perpetuate a sense of ownership. The emotional impact of this image is one of distance and control. It shapes our understanding of urban space and its role in the political and social landscape.