Madere, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

Stefano della Bella etched this “Madere” card as part of his “Jeu de la Géographie” without a precise date. This card encapsulates the era's vision of distant lands. The figure represents Madeira, draped in what seems a classical robe. This alludes to the Roman concept of "genius loci," where figures embody the spirit of a place. The gesture of her outstretched hand, an open invitation, resonates through time, echoing in classical depictions of abundance and welcome. Yet, the draping also veils, concealing as much as it reveals, hinting at the mysteries and the unknown that Madeira represented to Europeans. Consider how such symbolic gestures evolve. This "genius loci" invites you, yet with the weight of colonial desires, of the subconscious allure of the exotic, and the unacknowledged shadows of exploitation. The symbol, therefore, becomes a layered echo, resonating with both promise and unspoken tensions, engaging us in a profound, cyclical dialogue across history.