Hemelkaart met Christelijke sterrenbeelden 1660 - 1708

This celestial map, whose author and date of creation are unknown, presents a Christianized vision of the stars. The composition is dominated by a large circle filled with constellations, each meticulously drawn. Rendered in monochrome, the print uses contrasting shades to differentiate celestial figures from the dark expanses of space. The structure of the map reflects a symbolic integration of Christian figures into the classical constellations. This superimposition suggests a deliberate attempt to redefine traditional cosmological understanding through a Christian lens, imbuing the heavens with new theological significance. Semiotically, the map functions as a cultural text, encoding the ideological tensions between classical knowledge and emerging Christian worldviews. The inclusion of cherubic figures around the perimeter further emphasizes a sense of divine orchestration and cosmic harmony under Christian dominion. The formal arrangement, with its blend of scientific and religious iconography, highlights the ongoing negotiation between reason and faith. This map serves as a testament to how cultural values are projected onto, and thus reshape, our understanding of the natural world.