Titelpagina voor het prentwerk: Les Forces de l'Europe, Asie, Afrique et Amerique (...) Comme aussi les Cartes des Côtes de France et d'Espagne (deel XX), 1726 1726

This is the title page from Pieter van der Aa's "Les Forces de l'Europe, Asie, Afrique et Amerique," printed in 1726. A declaration of power, this page reflects the intense period of European exploration and colonization during the early 18th century. The prominent display of Europe above the other continents suggests a hierarchy, a visual representation of the era’s colonial mindset. Note how the book promises descriptions of principal cities alongside their fortifications, underscoring the strategic and military interests driving this geographic survey. The mention of being “necessary for all sorts of people” speaks to the broad dissemination of knowledge, yet also hints at the book’s role in solidifying European dominance. The emotional weight of this piece lies in recognizing the narratives it promotes, contrasting them with the often-silenced voices of those who experienced its consequences.