Ovale cartouche met schaalstok en passer 1570

This cartouche, made by an anonymous artist, is an engraving, a printmaking technique reliant on skillful labor. The image is incised into a metal plate – likely copper, given the fineness of the lines. This plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the design. Note the oval form, cradling text, and the tools above: a scale and a compass. These aren't just decorative flourishes, but symbols of measurement and precision, essential for mapmaking. The quality of the print depends on the engraver's skill in wielding the burin, a specialized tool. Each line must be carefully cut to achieve the desired depth and thickness. The act of engraving, with its focus on detail, mirrors the meticulous labor required for accurate cartography. Ultimately, this print reflects a world being measured, mapped, and understood through both artistry and industry. It blurs the lines between craft, science, and commerce, reminding us that even seemingly utilitarian objects are imbued with cultural meaning.