A cityscape is an artistic representation, such as a painting or photograph, of a city or urban area, serving as the urban equivalent of a landscape. Its origins trace back to a 1st-century A.D. fresco in Rome and ancient Chinese scroll paintings, initially appearing as background elements or map-like overviews in the Middle Ages and early modern prints.

The cityscape truly emerged as an independent art genre in the mid-17th century Netherlands, famously exemplified by Jan Vermeer's accurate View of Delft (1660–1661), inspiring a trend that flourished in 18th-century Venice with masters like Canaletto and Guardi. Later, late 19th-century Impressionists focused on capturing the dynamic atmosphere of city life and its industrial aspects.

While its production declined in the 20th century due to the rise of abstract art, notable figurative painter Edward Hopper continued to create compelling American cityscapes. The genre has since experienced a significant revaluation and revival towards the end of the 20th century, with contemporary artists like Richard Estes and Antonio López García continuing to capture the essence of urban environments.