Gezicht op Nijmegen en het fort Knodsenburg 1674

Gaspar Bouttats created this print of Nijmegen and Fort Knodsenburg in the late 17th century using etching. The image depicts the city’s architecture and its strategic military positioning on the river. In the Dutch Golden Age, the production of cityscapes served both civic pride and commercial interests. Prints like this one were often commissioned by city governments eager to showcase their urban development and economic prosperity. Bouttats’ detailed rendering of Nijmegen’s skyline, dominated by the Stevenskerk church and the strategically placed fort, emphasizes the city’s dual role as a center of commerce and a military stronghold. The inclusion of numerous ships suggests a bustling trade, while the fort underscores the importance of defense in a region frequently beset by conflicts. By studying historical maps, municipal records, and period travel accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of how cities like Nijmegen functioned within the broader social and political landscape of the time. Artworks like this are invaluable resources.