Octrooi verleend door de Staten-Generaal voor een kaart van het Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland 1687

This print by Romeyn de Hooghe, whose dates are 1645 to 1708, documents a patent issued by the States General for a map of the Rijnland district. Produced in the Dutch Republic, this print speaks to the cultural and economic importance of cartography during the Dutch Golden Age. The ornate Baroque frame, embellished with allegorical motifs and symbols of authority, transforms a utilitarian document into a statement of civic pride. Here, state power is represented by control and knowledge of the land. This image embodies the spirit of a society that saw itself as masters of its environment. It suggests a belief that careful measurement and representation could lead to prosperity and order. Understanding the social and institutional history of the Dutch Republic helps us to interpret this image as more than just a decorative document. By exploring the archives of the States General and studying the history of Dutch cartography, we can gain deeper insight into the values and aspirations of this unique society.