Antwerpen verbeeld

In the sixteenth century, Antwerp developed into an international commercial capital. The city's appearance changed very quickly. Using views of the city, maps and historical prints, the exhibition Drawing the city follows Antwerp's varying fortunes during this turbulent period. Using maps and plans, Drawing the city follows the rapid development of Antwerp in the sixteenth century. Some maps have an underlying purpose: to glorify the city and draw attention to its special qualities. Historical prints and maps portray the city during dramatic events such as the destruction of religious images known as the Beeldenstorm and the Spanish Fury, but in peaceful scenes too, such as Joyous Entries and ice scenes, artists provide a detailed portrait of the city.