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| View of Amsterdam Jan Christaenszoon Micker, Dutch 17th century Oil on canvas In this view of Amsterdam as it appeared in the 1540s, Micker celebrates the humble beginnings of a city that quickly became the center of a global trade network. His view, based on a 16th century map, shows the 17th century Dutch fascination with realistic representation. Canals coil through the meticulously detailed city, and agricultural fields radiate outwards. High clouds cast soft shadows onto the landscape. In the lower right, Micker includes a cartouche, a popular cartographic decoration. With this final touch he fully blurs the boundary between landscape painting and map. Courtesy of Amsterdams Historisch Museum
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