Gezicht op Bourges 1657

This is an anonymous birds-eye-view of Bourges, made at an unknown date. It’s a watercolor drawing, and it gives us a glimpse into how cities presented themselves in early modern Europe. What’s immediately striking is the city's fortifications. Bourges is shown as a secure, walled space. Inside, prominent landmarks such as the cathedral and major civic buildings stand tall, projecting an image of power and order. Consider that this image may have been commissioned by the city itself. The viewpoint flattens the urban space, giving equal weight to all of the city’s components and suggesting balance and stability. The choice of watercolor is also telling; it conveys the softness of the landscape surrounding the city, suggesting a peaceful, harmonious relationship between the city and its surrounding environment. This image is a testament to the institutional powers at play in the shaping of urban space and visual representation. By looking at city archives, maps, and other visual sources, we can better understand the self-image that Bourges, and cities like it, wished to project.