Kaart van het Hoogheemraadschap van de Krimpenerwaard (derde deel van kaart) 1683 - 1755

This is the third section of a map of the Krimpenerwaard region, created by Johannes Leupenius in the late 17th century. It's an etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. This technique was crucial for disseminating knowledge and shaping perceptions of territory during the Dutch Golden Age. The sharp, precise lines weren't just about accuracy; they represented control and a burgeoning sense of mastery over the land. Notice how the waterways and polders are carefully delineated. This wasn't just art, it was a tool for governance and resource management. The very act of mapping, and therefore owning a territory, becomes a mark of authority. The labor of etching, the skill required for this technique, speaks to the societal values placed on precision and order. What began as craft, became an important medium of political power and consumption.