Kaart van Brabant 1592

This map of Brabant was made by an anonymous artist using engraving, a printmaking technique that relies on the controlled removal of material. Look closely, and you can see how the lines defining the region's topography have been carefully incised into a metal plate. Ink would have been applied to this plate, then the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Pressed onto paper, the image is transferred, creating a precise, repeatable image. The engraver’s skill is evident in the fine details of the lettering and the decorative elements surrounding the map. This suggests that it was intended for an elite audience, one that appreciated both the informational content and the artistry of the print. As a multiple, this map speaks to the burgeoning culture of commerce and knowledge dissemination in the early modern period. While we don’t know the name of the artisan, or their motivations, such maps were of great value to merchants and rulers alike. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly functional objects are imbued with cultural significance through their making.