Deel van de plattegrond van Haarlem 1688 - 1689

Editor: So, this is "Deel van de plattegrond van Haarlem," or "Part of the map of Haarlem," created around 1688-1689 by Romeyn de Hooghe. It's an engraving in ink. I’m struck by how incredibly detailed and organized it appears. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s more than just a map; it’s a symbolic representation of civic pride and burgeoning Dutch Golden Age identity. Maps, like icons, weren’t purely functional; they carried cultural weight. Editor: Cultural weight? Could you elaborate? Curator: Note the cartouche proclaiming “Virtus” – virtue or valor – it links the city’s success to its citizens’ moral qualities. How does that framing impact your viewing experience? Editor: It does seem to elevate the image from a simple geographical document to a statement about Haarlem’s character and ambitions, tying material success with moral strength. Curator: Precisely! And the figures surrounding the map – gods and cherubs – they reinforce the sense of divinely sanctioned prosperity. It's almost as if the city itself is elevated to mythical status. The compass might represent navigational skills but, what else could it convey? Editor: Perhaps pointing to Haarlem's role in wider trade and exploration, its place in the world, not just its own confines. It’s a fascinating intersection of the practical and the symbolic. Curator: Exactly, understanding those symbols provides insight into the period's psychology and values. Maps like this were potent cultural tools. It is indeed amazing to dive into one single work! Editor: I never considered how something as seemingly straightforward as a map could be such a rich cultural artifact.