Hemelkaart met de sterrenbeelden 1780

This Hemelkaart, or celestial chart, presents a fascinating, if anonymous, depiction of the constellations. Visually, the map is dominated by a large central circle, densely populated with constellations rendered in delicate lines and muted colors. The arrangement, with each constellation carefully positioned, speaks to a structured effort to map the cosmos. The visual elements come together in a cohesive system that attempts to interpret and codify the natural order of the universe. When viewed through the lens of structuralism, this piece reveals how its components interact within a larger system. The artist employs a semiotic system of signs—symbols, celestial figures, and geometric forms—to communicate astronomical knowledge. These choices not only convey information but also reflect an era grappling with new ways of understanding space and perception. By examining its formal qualities, we see how this celestial map functions as both a scientific tool and a cultural artifact, reflecting humanity’s ongoing dialogue with the cosmos.