Wereldbol in houten stoel gemaakt door G. Valck of Valk. 1650 - 1700

This globe, crafted by Gerard Valck, presents us with far more than mere geography; it offers a window into the evolving human psyche. The sphere itself, meticulously etched with continents and oceans, echoes ancient symbols of wholeness and the cosmos. Consider the orb as a representation of power, seen in the hands of emperors and gods alike. Yet, here, it rests upon a humble wooden chair, an almost domestic setting for such an expansive symbol. This juxtaposition invites reflection. The desire to map and conquer, to encircle the world, is an age-old impulse. We see it mirrored in the myth of Atlas, bearing the weight of the heavens, and in the ambition of explorers charting unknown territories. This urge, deeply embedded in our collective memory, reflects both our curiosity and our yearning for control. The world globe is not merely a depiction of the world, but a stage for our psychological drama, reflecting humanity's evolving relationship with itself.