Chili, from "Court Game of Geography" 1838 - 1855

This is a playing card of Chili, from "Court Game of Geography", made by William and Henry Rock. Playing cards like this one offer a glimpse into 19th-century perceptions of the world, especially in relation to burgeoning colonialism and trade. Note how the map emphasizes Chili's resources and trade routes over indigenous presence, thus reflecting a colonizer's perspective. What do you think it meant to turn geography into a game? Was it simply a source of entertainment? Or did it play a role in shaping people's understanding and attitudes toward different parts of the world? Consider how the Rock brothers, as artists working within a specific historical and social context, contributed to the visual representation and dissemination of geographical knowledge. The way they chose to depict Chili, the cities they highlighted, and the overall aesthetic of the card – what does this tell us about the cultural values and power dynamics at play during this period?