Plattegrond van Antwerpen 1711 - 1712

Jacobus Harrewijn’s “Plattegrond van Antwerpen” presents us with an intricate map, etched into paper with striking precision. The detailed lines meticulously trace the city’s layout, giving form to its architecture and infrastructure. The stark contrast of light and shadow lends the map a dramatic quality, inviting us to explore the urban landscape. The print's structure reveals a complex interplay between order and chaos. The sharp lines of buildings contrast with the natural curves of the river. This tension mirrors the relationship between civilization and nature, challenging the concept of a perfectly controlled environment. The inclusion of sailing ships on the river may be read as a metaphor for the flow of ideas and commerce. Notice the absence of colour, which encourages us to focus on the formal elements of line and form. This absence emphasizes the structure and invites us to look deeper into the underlying frameworks that shape our understanding of space and place. The artwork questions how we perceive urban spaces and challenges the viewer to consider the power dynamics inherent in mapping and representation.