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Cityscape Prints

Topographical images flourished in the Netherlands and Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries as a direct response to an increase in travel among a growing wealthy class. In Venice, artists captured the cityscape against the canals using etching and engraving methods, selling the picturesque prints to tourists.

City and townscape prints had only ever formed the background to religious or mythological images and were rarely the primary subject matter, but they became a popular collector’s item. A growing interest in cityscapes and urban scenes developed in the 19th and 20th century as a response to rapid industrialization in Europe and the United States.

As lithography appeared at the turn of the 18th century, artists often chose this method to capture the effects of urbanization. Artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Josef Stella, Charles Sheeler were inspired by industry and often represented cityscapes in their work.


Quick Facts

  • Printmakers in 17th century Italy created cityscape images called veduta. These images are typically of towns viewed from a distance showing major architectural landmarks. One of the most famous is Giambattisti Piranese’s Vendute di Roma, depicting the modern buildings and ruins of the city in great detail
  • In the 18th century, the Italian artists Guardi and Cannaletto developed imaginary cityscapes combining architectural landmarks from cities in different part of the world in one print, such as a London cathedral on the banks of Venetian canals
  • During that time in the Netherlands, cityscapes were created to show clean streets and impressive landmarks for townspeople interested in showing their civic pride

Recommended Items at Auction

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Schedel.
May 07, 10:00 AM CEST
Schedel.
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €140- €200
€1404 Bids
Schedel, pub. 1493 - View of Constantinople or Istanbul, Turkey
May 03, 9:00 AM CDT
Schedel, pub. 1493 - View of Constantinople or Istanbul, Turkey
by Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Est: $2,000- $4,000
$1003 Bids
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Michel Delacroix, Limited Edition Lithograph, Eiffel Tower By Night, Signed
May 04, 12:00 PM EDT
Michel Delacroix, Limited Edition Lithograph, Eiffel Tower By Night, Signed
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $200- $800
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NYC ENGRAVING BY P. GIRARDET, PAINTED BY SEBRON - NO SHIPPING
May 24, 4:00 PM EDT
NYC ENGRAVING BY P. GIRARDET, PAINTED BY SEBRON - NO SHIPPING
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$102 Bids
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Yale University, 1830 Print
May 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Yale University, 1830 Print
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$12 Bids
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Signed Victor Valery European Colored Etching
Apr 27, 10:00 AM MST
Signed Victor Valery European Colored Etching
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
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Goldammer, Karl
May 09, 10:00 AM CEST
Goldammer, Karl
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €120- €180
€1201 Bid
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Antonio Visentini, Prospectus ab Aedibus Flanginorum usque ad Bembos. Venezia: Pasquali, 1742.
May 20, 10:00 AM CEST
Antonio Visentini, Prospectus ab Aedibus Flanginorum usque ad Bembos. Venezia: Pasquali, 1742.
by Gonnelli Casa d'Aste
Est: €180- €360
€1801 Bid
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Edward Plunkett Vampire Traffic Jam, Limited Edition Print
May 04, 12:00 PM EDT
Edward Plunkett Vampire Traffic Jam, Limited Edition Print
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $30- $200
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Alexander A. Blum Etching Of City Street Scene
May 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Alexander A. Blum Etching Of City Street Scene
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$11 Bid
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Alexander A. Blum Engraving, North Church
May 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Alexander A. Blum Engraving, North Church
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$11 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Cityscape Prints


Robinhood Auctions

Robinhood Auctions

KCM Galleries

KCM Galleries

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

TGP Auction

TGP Auction