Kaart van het hertogdom Brabant 1682

Editor: This is an engraved map from 1682 called "Kaart van het hertogdom Brabant," currently residing at the Rijksmuseum. The cartography seems incredibly detailed for the time, with vibrant watercolors defining different regions. What strikes me is how this object, seemingly about geography, must also communicate something about power and identity. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Precisely! A map is never a neutral object. Look at how Brabant is centered, carefully demarcated, almost lovingly rendered with color. This isn't just about locating places; it’s about claiming space, establishing dominance, visually asserting the Duchy's importance in relation to its neighbors. Consider the power dynamics inherent in mapping – who gets to define borders? Who is included or excluded? Editor: So, you're saying it's a political statement disguised as a geographical tool? The ornamental details like the coat of arms become part of this claim of power? Curator: Exactly. These maps were often commissioned by rulers or wealthy merchants. Think about what it meant to possess and display such a map in the 17th century. Who was meant to see it? What message was it supposed to convey? And how did this contribute to the construction of a regional, even national, identity? It is no coincidence it dates back to 1682, near the end of the Dutch Golden Age. This artwork can lead us to consider which values its representation bolstered during its time. Editor: I never considered a map having such a complex social dimension! It really reframes how I see these historical objects. Curator: Indeed! By interrogating seemingly straightforward representations, we uncover layers of social, political, and cultural meaning, challenging the notion of a single, objective truth.