Twee aanzichten van de aardbol zonder water 1690

Editor: So, this intriguing print, "Two Views of the Globe Without Water," dates back to 1690. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum and is attributed to an anonymous artist, made using engraving. My initial impression is… apocalyptic! It’s kind of unsettling to see the Earth like this. What story does it tell you? Curator: Apocalyptic, yes! It’s funny, isn't it, how taking away something we assume is ever-present - water, in this case – flips the familiar into something so strange and evocative? Imagine the artist, or rather the printmaker, sitting with this vision. What possessed them? Were they scared? Curious? I wonder… Did people actually *believe* this could happen? It feels like a precursor to our contemporary climate anxiety, don't you think? It invites us to really meditate on the nature of our planet, maybe question its permanence. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way! It definitely makes you think about our relationship with water and how much we take it for granted. The barren landscape is really striking. Curator: Exactly! The drama lies in the stark contrast - land without its lifeblood. What impact might an image like this have had in the 17th century, a time of exploration, expanding scientific inquiry and deep faith? Did it make the world seem more fragile, perhaps? Or simply more fascinating, ripe for mapping and conquest? It could be about showing dominance, scientific discovery... or deep foreboding! Editor: It’s interesting how many different layers you can unpack from a seemingly simple image. Curator: Absolutely! The best art, I find, invites you in and then sets your imagination off on its own voyage. What do you think you'll take away with you? Editor: I’ll definitely think twice about turning on the tap! And perhaps, appreciate a little bit more the fragility of our existence.