Onderschrift van de Festa della Sensa (vijfde gedeelte) 1697

This printed text, made by Jost Amman in the late 16th century, shows a dense array of lettering typical of its time. The text, though challenging to decipher today, speaks volumes about cultural pride and city identity. Notice how the lettering is not merely functional; it's almost ornamental. Like a carefully woven tapestry, each word contributes to a larger design that exudes authority. The text echoes claims of cities, such as Augsburg, with their wealth and strategic importance, mirroring Venice's renowned global influence. The act of printing itself—disseminating these claims widely—can be seen as a form of cultural assertion, not unlike the inscriptions on ancient monuments proclaiming the power of pharaohs or emperors. It reminds us that even written language can become a powerful symbol, shaping collective memory and reflecting the aspirations of communities across time. These cities are forever culturally immortalized in printed matter.