Drawing the city
–Antwerp, Belgium
Organisation: The Museum Plantin-Moretus
Using maps and city plans, the exhibition follows the main construction drives and contributions to the city's development. It considers the underlying functions and intended purposes of the maps: to glorify the city and draw attention to its special qualities. The map's orientation can also reinforce the message the mapmaker wishes to convey. Two extraordinary city maps are compared: Antwerp by Vergilius Bononiensis (1565) and the oldest known hand-drawn city map (late 16th century). A computer module assesses the accuracy of the two maps, and investigates to what extent they correspond to the current situation.
The exhibition additionally features historical prints depicting Antwerp during dramatic events such as the destruction of religious images known as the Beeldenstorm (1566) and the Spanish Fury (1576). Artists also provide a detailed picture of the city in peaceful scenes, such as Joyous Entries and ice scenes.
E-mail: museum.plantin.moretus@stad.antwerpen.be