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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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Tinus de Jongh (SA 1885 - 1942) Engraving, "Parliament House, Cape Town", Signed & Titled in Pencil, 26 x 35
Dec 11, 7:00 PM SAST
Tinus de Jongh (SA 1885 - 1942) Engraving, "Parliament House, Cape Town", Signed & Titled in Pencil, 26 x 35
by 5th Avenue Auctioneers
Est: R1,500- R2,500
R1,3003 Bids
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NAT LOWELL (AMERICAN, 1880 - 1956)
Dec 10, 1:00 PM EST
NAT LOWELL (AMERICAN, 1880 - 1956)
by James Cox Gallery
Est: $200- $300
$1002 Bids
John Hockings, Australia , Treasury Building Brisbane, Etching 8/50, 500 x 620 mm
Dec 17, 10:00 AM AEST
John Hockings, Australia , Treasury Building Brisbane, Etching 8/50, 500 x 620 mm
by Pfeffer's Auctions
Est: AUD500- AUD1,000
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(2pc) Frank Wootton Signed & Numbered Prints
Dec 16, 10:00 AM MST
(2pc) Frank Wootton Signed & Numbered Prints
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Est: $0- $0
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Istanbul.
Dec 13, 10:00 AM CET
Istanbul.
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Est: €340- €500
€3402 Bids
Ramon Ward-Thompson, New Zealand/Australia (b. 1941), St. James Station, Offset lithograph
Dec 11, 11:00 AM AEDT
Ramon Ward-Thompson, New Zealand/Australia (b. 1941), St. James Station, Offset lithograph
by Theodore Bruce
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD452 Bids
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JOSEPH ROSS, JERUSALEM VIA DOLOROSA, LITHOGRAPH
Dec 14, 9:00 AM EST
JOSEPH ROSS, JERUSALEM VIA DOLOROSA, LITHOGRAPH
by RoGallery
Est: $100- $125
$501 Bid
VIEW ON THE PLACE ROYALE IN BRUSSELS.
Dec 14, 1:00 PM CET
VIEW ON THE PLACE ROYALE IN BRUSSELS.
by Arenberg Auctions
Est: €50- €100
€251 Bid
Artist Unknown - "Saint Paul de Venice" (Signed Lithograph)
Dec 17, 9:00 AM EST
Artist Unknown - "Saint Paul de Venice" (Signed Lithograph)
by Bruce Teleky Inc.
Est: $100- $120
$801 Bid
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CHRISTO
Dec 15, 9:00 AM CET
CHRISTO
by Schuler Auktionen
Est: CHF1,800- CHF3,000
CHF1,8001 Bid
SIGNED AQUATINT ETCHING NEW YORK BY LUIGI KASIMIR
Dec 23, 10:00 AM EST
SIGNED AQUATINT ETCHING NEW YORK BY LUIGI KASIMIR
by Antique Arena Inc
Est: $100- $150
$101 Bid
Jean Dufy (French, 1888-1964).
Dec 17, 11:00 AM PST
Jean Dufy (French, 1888-1964).
by Fine Estate Inc.
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
Albert Edward Ernest Warner, Australia (1879-1968), The Kings School, Etching ed. 39/100
Dec 11, 11:00 AM AEDT
Albert Edward Ernest Warner, Australia (1879-1968), The Kings School, Etching ed. 39/100
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Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD401 Bid
1859 The Rose of Philadelphia, Die Cut Fold-Open Print 28 Views of Philadelphia
Dec 16, 9:00 AM PST
1859 The Rose of Philadelphia, Die Cut Fold-Open Print 28 Views of Philadelphia
by Early American History Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1001 Bid
LOCKWOOD DENNIS (WA) "STREET" WOODCUT PRINT
Dec 10, 2:00 PM PST
LOCKWOOD DENNIS (WA) "STREET" WOODCUT PRINT
by District Auction
Est: $75- $125
$351 Bid
Luigi Kasimir Etching London Trafalgar Square 1913
Dec 16, 11:00 AM EST
Luigi Kasimir Etching London Trafalgar Square 1913
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $50- $15,000
$501 Bid
Peter Max ''Statue of Liberty'' (Small) 2010 Serigraph
Dec 14, 5:00 PM PST
Peter Max ''Statue of Liberty'' (Small) 2010 Serigraph
by MBA Seattle Auction LLC
Est: $500- $1,000
$2501 Bid
George A. Bradshaw (American, 1880-1968) Etching
Dec 17, 12:00 PM EST
George A. Bradshaw (American, 1880-1968) Etching
by Locati LLC
Est: $200- $300
$1001 Bid
AFTER JAMES MALTON (1761 - 1803) Collins Barracks Aquatint, 25 x 44cm
Jun 14, 11:00 AM IST
AFTER JAMES MALTON (1761 - 1803) Collins Barracks Aquatint, 25 x 44cm
by Adam's
Est: €150- €200
€1000 Bids
München.
Dec 13, 10:00 AM CET
München.
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €40- €60
€400 Bids
Thiel, Johannes
Dec 12, 10:00 AM CET
Thiel, Johannes
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €40- €60
€400 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Cityscape Prints


Robinhood Auctions

Robinhood Auctions

KCM Galleries

KCM Galleries

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen