Gezicht op Aix 1771 - 1816

Hendrik Schwegman made this print of Aix, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, using etching and engraving techniques. It gives us insight into the public role of art and the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The image portrays a bustling scene with people from various social classes, including figures on horseback. The architecture and layout of the town square, with its symmetrical buildings and tree-lined avenue, reflect the values of order and reason characteristic of the Enlightenment. This print would have served to document and promote the image of Aix as a modern, civilized urban center. Understanding the social and institutional context of this print requires further research into the history of Aix and the artistic practices of the time. By examining archival sources, such as period maps, municipal records, and art criticism, we can gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.