Plattegrond van Padua 1700 - 1735

This is a map of Padua, Italy, made anonymously using printmaking techniques. The lines were incised on a metal plate, likely copper. The plate was then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Finally, it was hand-colored, bringing the city’s layout to life. The choice of printmaking is significant. It allowed for the mass production and distribution of this map, a reflection of the burgeoning information economy and increased trade routes of the period. The act of surveying and mapping itself transformed the physical world into an abstract, easily digestible form, accelerating commercial and political control. The red of the buildings, the green of the surrounding landscape - each pigment was carefully applied, creating a visual hierarchy. This isn't just a practical tool; it's a carefully crafted object. Considering the materials and processes offers insight into the social and economic context of its creation, bridging the gap between cartography, craft, and commerce.