Kaart van Drenthe, 1940 c. 1947

Studio Certo created this map of Drenthe in 1940. It's all thin lines and soft, muted colors, like looking at the world through a vintage lens. I imagine Studio Certo hunched over this piece, maybe in a cozy, slightly cluttered studio. Were they listening to the radio while they worked? Did they have a cat for company? Look at the delicate lines that trace the roads and waterways; each stroke must have been carefully considered. The different areas have been given their own little illustrations, like the forests, lakes, and harbors. The artist uses these images to tell a deeper story about the history and environment of this place. I feel as though the person making this was trying to make the place come alive. It reminds me of how artists like Alfred Jensen use maps and diagrams to explore ideas about space, time, and knowledge. All painting is about trying to understand something about the world. We're all just trying to figure it out together.