Kaart van de omgeving van Trier, ca. 1702 1702 - 1703

This map of the Trier area, created around 1702 by an anonymous artist, presents a fascinating interplay of form and function through meticulously engraved lines. The eye is drawn to the meandering river, a sinuous line that dictates the composition's structure. The map uses a combination of topographical elements such as the mountains and the clusters of trees. These elements create a sense of depth and spatial relationships. Two cartouches frame the map’s descriptive text, providing formal balance. The map invites reflection on how we represent and understand space. It invites us to consider how such representations not only reflect empirical data but also embed cultural values and systems of knowledge. The formal structure of the map—its lines, shapes, and textual annotations—offers a layered reading of its historical and cultural context.