Map of the World (Mappe monde) 

Joseph Hecht’s ‘Map of the World,’ or ‘Mappe monde,’ presents a world seen through the lens of cultural and historical symbolism. Above two globes rendered side-by-side, two suns shine down upon two winged lions; below, a parade of people and animals stand together. The winged lion, a symbol of Saint Mark the Evangelist, speaks to Venice's powerful influence as a nexus of trade and culture, connecting East and West, even appearing on their merchant flags. This symbol resonates with ancient depictions of mythical creatures, such as the griffin, embodying strength, wisdom, and vigilance. The flags are interesting additions to these heraldic animals. Historically, the sun has served as a potent symbol of divinity, life-giving energy, and enlightenment. It represents not only physical light but also spiritual illumination, a recurring motif throughout human history. The symbols in this map connect us to the emotional and psychological forces deeply rooted in our collective memory, revealing how symbols evolve across time, accumulating layers of meaning and significance.