Title Page for Atlas Historique 1720

Editor: This is Bernard Picart's Title Page for Atlas Historique. It's an undated engraving, and it's filled with so many figures! What stories do you see being told through these symbols? Curator: The swirling figures and the terrestrial globe beneath them evoke a sense of humanity's ambition to map and understand the world. Consider the allegorical figures; each holds significance. Notice the winged figure, a classical symbol of inspiration. What emotional weight does this imagery carry for you? Editor: It feels like a celebration of knowledge, but also a bit overwhelming with so much going on. Curator: Precisely. The visual language speaks to the power of historical understanding, while also acknowledging its complexity. The symbols of navigation suggest exploration. What continuities do you observe between this historical imagery and our contemporary understanding of exploration? Editor: I see what you mean. I hadn't thought about the connection between mapping and power. Thanks!