Kaart van het westelijk deel van Vlaanderen 1671 - 1696

This is an anonymous map of the western part of Flanders, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The design presents a delicate lattice of lines forming a network of geographical data. The composition is largely defined by thin, dark lines that delineate the region's waterways and roads. See how these lines move and intersect. This conveys a sense of connectivity and structure within the depicted space. The text is arranged in a classical style, yet the density of the information presented—names of towns and regions—disrupts the simplicity, creating a tension between clarity and complexity. The sea is filled with many ships, small yet detailed, which introduce a dynamic element to the otherwise still landscape. The map’s function is not just geographical, but also a semiotic device encoding power relations and territorial claims. Notice how this map invites us to consider the interplay between space, knowledge, and power.