A detailed seventeenth-century map fragment of Rotterdam by Romeyn de Hooghe, featuring urban planning alongside classical allegorical figures.

This print represents a section of a larger map of Rotterdam, executed by the Dutch artist and engraver Romeyn de Hooghe. Known for his technical precision and prolific output, de Hooghe was a significant figure in the visual culture of the late seventeenth-century Netherlands. This specific fragment focuses on the south-western portion of the city, capturing the urban layout with a bird's-eye perspective that was common in contemporary cartographic practice.

The composition is divided between the rigorous, grid-like depiction of the city streets and the decorative allegorical figures in the foreground. The map section displays the canal networks and dense housing typical of the period, with individual buildings rendered in miniature. Ships are shown navigating the waterways, reflecting the maritime importance of Rotterdam.

In the lower section, de Hooghe includes a classical allegorical scene featuring Neptune, the god of the sea, accompanied by a triton. This inclusion serves to connect the city to its maritime identity and prosperity. The presence of a numbered key, titled 'Aanwysinge der Principaalste Plaatsen en Gebouwen der Stadt Rotterdam', provides a systematic guide to the landmarks depicted. The etching technique allows for fine detail, particularly in the rendering of the water, the architectural silhouettes, and the musculature of the mythological figures. This work functions as both a functional navigational tool and a decorative statement on the status of the city. The contrast between the structured urban planning and the fluid, organic forms of the sea deities creates a balance between scientific observation and artistic flourish.