Kind met passer en bol als personificatie van de Geografie 1694 - 1756

John Faber the Younger created this mezzotint, “Kind met passer en bol als personificatie van de Geografie,” sometime in the 18th century. The soft, almost velvety texture of the mezzotint lends itself well to the fleshy, rounded forms of the cherubic figure. The monochromatic palette focuses our attention on the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth within the frame. The composition centers on a child, an allegory for geography, carefully measuring a globe with a pair of dividers. The sphere appears smooth and uniform. Here, the globe is not just an object but a symbolic representation of knowledge and the charting of space. This symbolizes an attempt to categorize and understand the world through measurement and mathematical precision. The artwork is framed by a trompe-l'oeil border that enhances the illusion, creating a sense of depth. The linear precision of the border contrasts with the organic forms within, drawing attention to the act of representation itself. This interplay between geometric structure and organic form embodies a broader philosophical quest.