Kaart met de planetenbanen voor het jaar 1730 1729 - 1730

This “Map of the Planets’ Orbits for the Year 1730” is an engraving printed on paper. At first glance, what stands out is the systematic arrangement of celestial bodies. The composition is divided into precise geometric patterns and curves. Each planet is shown in its orbit around the sun. The lines of projection give the image a sense of mathematical rigor. But this is not just a cold, objective rendering. The meticulous detail speaks to the engraver's dedication to portraying the cosmos, and we can see how each planet’s designated orbit becomes a signifier of the order and predictability that underpinned Enlightenment science. The systematic arrangement of planets also reveals a deeper philosophical engagement with the structure of the universe. The visual language suggests a world governed by fixed laws and observable phenomena. It's worth noting that our understanding of the universe is always mediated by our tools of representation. This map is more than just a scientific document; it’s a cultural artifact.