Kaart van de provincie Utrecht (vijfde deel van onder) after 1696

This is Thomas Doesburgh's engraved map of the province of Utrecht. Although undated, the map offers insight into the complex interplay between cartography, power, and identity in the Netherlands. Maps were not just tools for navigation; they were also powerful symbols of ownership and control. Here, Utrecht is allegorically depicted as a seated woman, a classical reference, on horseback surrounded by cherubs, signifying abundance and divine favor. This portrayal, while seemingly benign, reflects the Dutch Republic’s aspirations for dominance amid ongoing territorial disputes. The map subtly underscores the social hierarchy, with the land meticulously surveyed and divided, reflecting the economic interests of the ruling elite. It presents an idealized vision, obscuring the realities of those whose lives were directly impacted by the decisions of the governing class. It reminds us to critically examine how representations of space are never neutral, but deeply enmeshed with the politics of their time.