Views of Seville environs until 1800

Abstract

The historical views of the urban outskirts of Seville constitute a relevant documentary source upon a territory marked by its agricultural past, still rather unknown nowadays, until its urban transformation starting in the eve of the 19th century. This article analyzes the most significant panoramic views of the area, dating from mid 16th century to 1800, taking into consideration some data about their authors and assessing their documentary trustability: Medina, Wyngaerde, Hoefnagel, Bambrilla, Janssonius, Merian, Meunier, Baldi, Tortolero y Swinburne. For the first time, major areal elements and landmarks represented are methodically identified. Finally, the approximate points of views are projected on a city map, highlighting the spots in which the drawings where elaborated, emphasizing the cultural importance of these images—with such a peculiar graphic impression—that had, for many centuries, such a remarkable dissemination across Europe.