Painted Globe c. 1814

Mary Harlan's painted globe is a poignant object whose intimacy lies in its small scale. Without a date, it's hard to know the specifics that influenced Harlan, but we can observe the impulse behind crafting a world. Think about what it means to create something that encapsulates the whole earth, a sphere of knowledge and discovery. The labor involved in hand-painting such detail, along with the choice of such an unusual medium, speaks volumes about the relationship Harlan had with her world. It prompts us to consider how gender might intersect with knowledge and exploration. Does Harlan's painted globe follow traditional representations, or does it forge an alternative narrative? Perhaps the act of creation itself is a personal statement. This handmade globe invites us to contemplate the personal dimensions of our shared world.