Kaart van het graafschap Holland after 1635

This map of Holland was created by an anonymous maker, using the technique of engraving. Lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. Notice how the engraver has used a dense network of fine lines to define the contours of the land and sea. This was a highly skilled process, requiring years of training to master the use of specialized tools. And it was also a very labor-intensive undertaking. Every single line had to be cut individually, slowly building up the overall image. The amount of time and effort invested in this map speaks to its importance as a cultural and political artifact. It wasn't just about providing accurate geographical information. It was about asserting control over territory, and projecting an image of power and prestige. The very act of mapping was a way of claiming ownership. So, next time you look at an engraved print, remember the human effort that went into its creation. The material and the making are inseparable from the meaning.