Kaart van de aarde en kosmos in acht ringen 1695 - 1712

This is a map of the earth and cosmos in eight rings, created by an anonymous artist using engraving. The image is dominated by concentric circles, a visual metaphor for the hierarchical structure of the universe, with Earth at the center, surrounded by celestial spheres. Such imagery evokes the ancient concept of the "axis mundi"—the world axis— a symbol of connection between the earthly and the divine realms. Think of the Tower of Babel, or even the maypole dance, each a reminder of humanity's yearning to ascend to the heavens. Observe the ring of fire, an ancient symbol of purification and transformation. This primal element, found in the depths of our psyche, embodies both destruction and renewal. Fire is a potent force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, triggering primal emotions and fears. Like the ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, this circular cosmos is a symbolic representation of infinity and the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. A testament to the cyclical nature of existence, it reminds us that symbols are never static, but constantly evolving and adapting to new cultural contexts.