Zesde deel van een zesdelige reeks kaarten van de sterrenhemel aan het eind van het jaar 1730 1742

This is the sixth part of a six-part series of star charts, made around 1730 by an anonymous artist. The image presents us with a fascinating glimpse into the scientific and cultural context of the early 18th century, likely in the Dutch Republic, a hub of cartography and astronomy at the time. Celestial cartography was essential to navigation and trade, reflecting the economic power of the Netherlands. The image makes meaning through the visual codes of the time, blending scientific data with mythological and artistic representations of the constellations. It suggests how deeply entwined science and culture were. As an art historian, I'm interested in how institutions like the Dutch East India Company shaped artistic production. Were these charts commissioned by the company for practical use, or were they also meant to project an image of Dutch mastery over the seas and the heavens? Further research into the archives of these institutions might reveal the social conditions that shaped this artwork.