Europe, from "Court Game of Geography" 1838 - 1855

This card from the "Court Game of Geography", printed by William and Henry Rock, visualizes Europe with a striking heart shape placed squarely in the center. The heart, universally understood as the symbol of love and affection, here takes on a geographical dimension. Consider how the heart motif has echoed through time, from ancient votive offerings to its ubiquitous presence in modern culture. Its shape transcends mere biology, becoming a vessel for profound emotional expression. Even in early Christian symbolism, the heart represents Christ's love and sacrifice, a concept propagated by Augustine of Hippo. Here, the heart over Europe is a powerful expression of the continent’s significance. It engages our collective memory, stirring subconscious feelings of affection, connection, and perhaps even a sense of longing for the old countries. This fusion of cartography and emotion reflects the cyclical nature of symbols, perpetually resurfacing and evolving, laden with history and human sentiment.