Gezicht op Ulm after 1657

This anonymous print offers us a bird's-eye view of Ulm, a city in Southern Germany, likely produced during a period of significant urban development and fortification. As you observe the intricate layout of the city, the walls that encircle and define its boundaries cannot be ignored. These walls speak volumes about the city's identity and history. In the early modern period, city walls were not just physical barriers but also symbolic assertions of power, protection, and independence, especially in the context of frequent conflicts and shifting political landscapes. As power was exerted, how did this affect the common citizen? Did it cause a sense of safety or a feeling of entrapment? Notice how the print also highlights Ulm's relationship with the Danube River, a vital artery for trade and transportation. Consider how this artwork represents the intersection of urban planning, social hierarchy, and the ever-present need for defense in a rapidly changing world. It encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with the spaces we inhabit, and the forces that shape them.