Kaart van de Zuidelijke Nederlanden 1775

Editor: Here we have Jan van Jagen’s "Kaart van de Zuidelijke Nederlanden," a print made in 1775. Looking at this map, the aged paper gives it such a sense of history and timelessness, it makes me think about the ephemeral nature of borders. How would you interpret the visual language used here? Curator: The map is rich with symbolism. Consider the compass rose – more than a navigational tool, it's an ancient symbol representing orientation and direction, both physical and spiritual. Then there's the elaborate cartouche, often adorned with figures or allegorical elements reflecting the values and aspirations of the society that produced the map. Doesn't the strategic highlighting with colours remind you how identity and territory are being projected through graphic signs? Editor: So, you're suggesting that these aren’t just decorative elements, but actually visual cues about how the mapmaker wanted viewers to understand the territory? Curator: Precisely. And notice the font choices? Typography wasn’t just about legibility, each font conveyed a sense of authority, sophistication, or tradition. Ask yourself: what emotional or psychological impact does this combination of script and imagery have on the viewer? Do they evoke feelings of national pride, perhaps? Editor: That’s interesting. I was mostly seeing lines and borders. But looking closer, I understand these details project the region's identity, right down to the very lettering! Curator: Indeed. Each visual element whispers stories about cultural memory. It shows that even something as seemingly straightforward as a map can reveal deep layers of meaning when you explore its visual language. Editor: Thank you! It has never occurred to me how maps create a feeling of cultural identity using just typography and color!