Kaart van het eiland Corfu 1690

Editor: Here we have Jacob Peeters' "Map of the Island of Corfu," created around 1690 using ink and engraving. It has such a clean, precise style for being so old. How should we approach interpreting this piece? Curator: This map isn't just a geographical document; it's a product of its time, deeply entwined with colonialism and power dynamics. Consider: who commissioned it, and for what purpose? Was it meant to facilitate trade, military campaigns, or simply assert dominance over the region? Editor: That makes sense. So it’s more than just a helpful navigational tool. Curator: Precisely. The very act of mapping is an act of claiming space, imposing a European gaze on Corfu. Look at the way the landscape is depicted – are these accurate representations, or romanticized versions serving a particular narrative? Editor: Now that you mention it, the rendering of the mountains feels somewhat... stylized. Not quite like what you’d see in a photograph. Curator: And how does this relate to broader colonial projects of the era? Corfu's strategic importance in the Mediterranean made it a coveted prize for various empires. This map becomes a symbol of that struggle. Editor: So, we should analyze it considering its role in representing and reinforcing colonial power. It makes me rethink maps and how they frame our view of places and people. Curator: Exactly! Examining these historical power structures encourages us to reflect on our own contemporary biases. Thank you!