Gezicht op een markt in Berlijn met de Marienkirche 1785

Johann Georg Rosenberg created this print, "View of a Market in Berlin with the Marienkirche," offering us a glimpse into the urban life of 18th-century Berlin. The print captures the energy of the marketplace set against the backdrop of the Marienkirche, a focal point for the community. Prints like these were more than just scenic views, they circulated widely and shaped perceptions of place and identity. What does it mean to see a market so orderly, so neatly laid out? The architecture is pristine, the social interactions polite. Rosenberg’s print aestheticizes Berlin, inviting viewers to see its potential rather than its problems. As you observe this image, consider how these visual representations contributed to shaping a collective identity and civic pride. The image is emotionally charged in how it constructs the idea of ​​what a growing urban center should be: ordered, prosperous, and forward-looking.