Verzamelatlas met voorstellingen van Italië Possibly 1693 - 1742

Curator: My first impression of this collection is that of a relic, beautifully preserved, whispering tales of history. Editor: And that's a great introduction to this work, housed here at the Rijksmuseum: it's a "Collection Atlas with depictions of Italy," possibly dating from 1693 to 1742, attributed to various makers, utilizing a striking combination of mixed media—collage, gilding, and toned paper. Curator: The use of mixed media certainly lends a unique character. The gold leaf accents draw your eye in. What does the Italian peninsula evoke here for you? Editor: Right away I sense both power and the weight of history. I mean, consider Italy during the timeframe in which it was constructed! Multiple artists involved, many shifting political alliances on the peninsula. Each artist bringing a different view. Curator: Yes, the image of Atlas holding the world feels resonant. Is this meant to represent the power, prestige and influence this atlas, and perhaps the nations, carry at the time? I see themes of burdens but also possibilities, what stories does this Atlas communicate, perhaps silently? Editor: The use of Atlas is powerful, that emblem as a claim to knowing the world, a symbolic understanding of power and place, and even who is worthy or capable of bearing this symbolic world! Also to acknowledge what an unusual, though elegant form art objects could take at the time. Curator: The idea of bearing the weight of the world or country makes one think of power, but I wonder, considering our history, what the original cultural context or significance could be today? How do its depictions and their contexts inform identity and collective experience now? Editor: Thinking about these historical depictions of Italy, what aspects or narratives did they leave out and how much did their choices mirror society's values, as it’s always fascinating to note what gets framed but more importantly what gets dismissed from collective memory. It's a privilege to be a part of unveiling those deeper considerations, seeing not just an image but the world it reflects and often conceals. Curator: Absolutely. Understanding what isn't shown is as powerful as understanding what's visible. That interplay shapes the symbolic weight this piece carries and understanding of a culture's or group's visual inheritance.