Kaarten van de Straat van Gibraltar en Cadiz, ca. 1693-1696 1693 - 1696

This is a map of the Strait of Gibraltar and Cadiz, dating from around 1693-1696, made by an anonymous artist. Executed in ink, the artwork presents two distinct cartographic views side by side. The composition reveals a clear intention to juxtapose geographical spaces, setting up a comparative visual study. The artist's use of line is meticulous, delineating coastlines and topographical features with precision. This suggests not just a geographical record, but also a way to engage with the intellectual milieu of the late 17th century. The arrangement of these maps within the frame invites us to consider the relationships between land, sea, and the burgeoning world of maritime exploration. The visual structure of the maps reflects a broader cultural project of organizing and understanding the world through observation and representation, challenging our notions of geographical certainty.