Gezicht op Brussel after 1715

This print, Gezicht op Brussel, comes to us anonymously from the Netherlands. It measures 221 by 272 millimeters and can be found at the Rijksmuseum. The striking feature is the intricate, almost architectural rendering of Brussels, set against a backdrop of undulating hills and dramatic cloudscapes. The composition balances nature and civilization. A prominent tree on the right acts as a frame, contrasting the wild with the manicured and structured city view. In the foreground, figures on horseback suggest transit and connection, possibly alluding to the city's role as a hub of commerce and culture. The use of linear perspective, though somewhat stylized, guides the eye from the foreground figures to the city, implying depth and space. This technique was a key feature in landscape art. The level of detail given to the architecture indicates a celebration of the city. What does this piece mean to you?