Kaart van de rivier bij Palembang, 1821 1821

This is an anonymous map of the river near Palembang, made in 1821. It’s a detailed sketch, rendered in delicate lines, presenting a bird's-eye view of a river and its surrounding topography. The formal arrangement is striking, dividing the composition into distinct zones. Notice the cartographic style. It is a blend of precision and abstraction, where the actual landscape gives way to a symbolic representation. The river acts as a spine, around which other elements cluster: settlements, geographical markers, and annotations. Each mark and line seems carefully placed, contributing to a broader system of signs. The map presents not just a geographical space but also a structured narrative about territory, power, and knowledge. Consider how this map challenges our perception of space. It presents a flattened, ordered view of a complex reality. This piece invites us to consider how maps shape our understanding of the world, not just as neutral documents but as constructed representations of space and power.