In seventeenth century Holland, a fierce urban competition stimulated civic magistrates to commission works of art that increased their city's prestige. Prestigious cities had more political power...Show moreIn seventeenth century Holland, a fierce urban competition stimulated civic magistrates to commission works of art that increased their city's prestige. Prestigious cities had more political power and influence in the province, which allowed them to secure their interests more effectively. Leiden's magistrate increased the city's prestige in the province by commissioning maps that reflected Leiden's urban identity and showed its importance in Holland between 1574 and 1700. Maps allowed urban magistrates to promote their cities to a larger audience compared to traditional works of art. Leiden's magistrate commissioned maps that reflected the importance of the relief of 1574 for the Dutch Revolt, the city's university, and its textile industry. By promoting these elements of Leiden's identity to a broad audience of elites and non-elites in the Dutch Republic and Europe, these maps increased Leiden's prestige in the political arena of Holland and secured the city's influence and power in the province.Show less
