Kaart van de Nederlanden waar de Franse en Munsterse legers door heen zijn getrokken, ca. 1672-1674 1672 - 1674

This map of the Netherlands, made around 1672-1674 by an anonymous artist, is rendered in ink on paper. At first glance, the intricate network of lines and symbols creates a dense, almost overwhelming visual field, but the lines are organized in such a way that they are quite legible. The composition directs our gaze across the landscape through a series of interconnected routes that weave through towns and bodies of water, reflecting the disruptive movements of the French and Münster armies. The lines, in this context, are not just geographical markers but also indicators of power and control, tracing the paths of conflict across the Dutch Republic. The strategic placement of toponyms and emblems further complicates the map's semiotic system, transforming it into a battlefield of representation. The map challenges the notion of a fixed, objective reality, inviting viewers to question how power dynamics shape our understanding of space and history.