Profiel van Deventer (plaat IV) 1615

Claes Jansz Visscher created this print of Deventer, a city in the Netherlands, sometime between 1600 and 1650. It provides us with a striking view of urban life in the early modern period. This image of Deventer creates meaning through the visual codes of the time. The imposing architecture of the church and city walls emphasizes the importance of religion and security in Dutch society. We get a strong sense of the city's geography, which facilitated trade and commerce via the river. Visscher made this print during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, closely tied to Dutch maritime power. The image is clearly designed to celebrate the achievements and importance of the city. To better understand the nuances of this work, we might consult city records, trade statistics, or religious publications from the period. These resources can provide valuable context. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum; it reflects and shapes the social, cultural, and institutional forces of its time.