Strasbourg 1833

Samuel Prout made this lithograph of Strasbourg in the 19th century. It depicts a bustling street scene dominated by the towering Strasbourg Cathedral, a symbol of civic and religious pride. Prout was part of a generation of artists who found a ready market among middle-class tourists eager for picturesque views of European cities. Here, the artist captures the charm of Strasbourg's architecture, emphasizing the quaint, half-timbered buildings alongside the grandeur of the cathedral. Note the street-level activity: figures in period clothing, market stalls, and a public fountain. This all suggests a vibrant urban center. Such images played a role in shaping perceptions of European cities, and in encouraging tourism. They also participated in the development of print culture as a disseminator of aesthetic taste. To fully understand this image, we might consider guidebooks, travelogues, and the history of printmaking. This will enable us to analyze the complex ways in which art reflects, shapes, and is shaped by its social context.