Kaart van Gelderland 1634 - 1645

This is Abraham Goos's "Kaart van Gelderland," a detailed map rendered with fine lines, delineating the province's topography and settlements. Its structure is defined by a rigid grid, typical of cartographic representation. The map is framed with vignettes of cityscapes and figures, adding to its aesthetic complexity. The visual layout offers a fascinating study in semiotics. The careful delineation of geographical features acts as a sign system, encoding environmental and cultural information within its lines and symbols. The grid structure imposes an order onto the landscape, reflecting a desire to rationalize and control space. The map challenges established meanings by presenting a subjective interpretation of geographical reality. Consider the precision with which Goos details each town and river. This emphasis on formal accuracy transforms the landscape into a carefully structured representation that reflects broader cultural desires for knowledge and control.