Kaart van het graafschap Namen 1647 - 1667

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we're looking at an intriguing piece: an anonymous engraving from between 1647 and 1667 titled "Kaart van het graafschap Namen," or "Map of the County of Namur." Editor: My immediate impression? An intricate spiderweb rendered on what looks like ancient parchment. The incredible detail almost overwhelms the eye. You could get happily lost in here, not knowing up from down or left from right... or which materials did this artist use. Curator: Exactly! Its Baroque style, a response to the rigid Reformation perhaps, emphasizes ornament, drama, and scale, using the traditional skills associated with printing to show labor division to represent social reality. Editor: Right, the method of production reflects the values of the map maker who could show places they likely did not visit and perhaps ruled as overlords, while the use of materials like aged paper and engraving speak to enduring power—I'm wondering about paper production. Curator: I get caught up on how subjective it feels, it gives a beautiful feeling to that period, imagining the very hand and eyes of the map maker, and all those who used the map across time… to me it sparks the simple urge to adventure beyond familiar borders. It gives the feel of a fairy tale book from when I was little, do you have any reminiscences like this looking at that map? Editor: Perhaps, my mind doesn't work this way. Curator: See, it sparks a narrative! The way landscape art makes me wander in it, in a symbolic way, not as a scientist that calculates all distances... Editor: Of course. In those days maps were part art and part state secrets to allow social power play. You also need specialists working together for extended periods of time. Now we have instant global awareness on a cell phone... So much work involved and the cultural weight that gives it significance—material memory frozen in time and space. Curator: And that significance endures. Gazing at this engraving, I feel history whispering. What’s your last impression after this little conversation? Editor: Mine is a profound respect for the process of artistic production and its intertwining with cultural expression and social commentary of bygone days.