Gezicht op Anduze 1638

This anonymous map, titled ‘Gezicht op Anduze,’ was made using a combination of engraving and hand-coloring. The process begins with an engraver using specialized tools to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. What sets this map apart is the addition of color, applied by hand, probably by trained artisans. Note the pink fortifications, the carefully distinguished agricultural fields, and the yellow border that gives the image its frame. This division of labor—the engraver creating the base image, and the colorist adding vibrancy—speaks volumes about the economics of mapmaking at this time. It suggests a workshop setting, with individuals specializing in different tasks to efficiently produce these detailed views. The careful, consistent application of color also indicates that the map wasn’t just a utilitarian object, but one intended for display and appreciation.