Kaart van Delfland (tekstblad linksonder) 1612

This is a fragment of text printed in black ink on paper by Floris Balthasarsz van Berckenrode, circa 1600s, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The symbols and iconography are presented through the language itself; this is not merely descriptive text, but rather an allegorical representation of knowledge and human ingenuity. Its very structure suggests a hierarchical view of knowledge, typical of the period, with emphasis on geometry and practical skills. Consider how language, like cartography, has been used to map and define the world. The act of writing itself becomes a symbol of control over the territory, akin to how ancient cultures used writing to inscribe laws and histories on stone, ensuring their permanence and authority. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its assertion of human capability, the human intellect, and the pursuit of knowledge. Just as ancient maps were imbued with mythical creatures to fill the unknown, this text fills the reader’s mind with a sense of wonder and possibility. The cyclical progression of knowledge—discovery, application, and refinement—reflects our continuous effort to understand and shape our world.