Plattegrond van Saint-Malo, ca. 1693-1695 1693 - 1695

This is an anonymous map of Saint-Malo, made around 1693 to 1695. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper. Engraving, a printmaking technique, allowed for the detailed and precise rendering of architectural layouts and geographical features seen here. The fine lines and hatched areas create a sense of depth, delineating buildings, fortifications, and the surrounding landscape. But it was also laborious, requiring skilled craftsmanship and time-consuming work. Consider the social context: maps like these were crucial for military strategy, urban planning, and trade, reflecting the power dynamics of the time. The act of mapping itself was a form of control, transforming physical space into a legible, manageable format, for both the elite and the military. The social status of Saint-Malo is communicated through the depiction of military figures in the lower right corner, suggesting a celebration of the city's maritime power. So next time you see a map, consider the labor and power structures embedded within its lines, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social history.