Hoekcartouche met rolwerk en trossen fruit 1595

This small print presents an intricate cartouche, adorned with scrollwork and luscious fruit, likely intended for a map. The fruit, symbols of abundance and fertility, are not merely decorative. Think of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. These motifs have roots stretching back to antiquity; we see similar garlands in Roman frescoes, promising prosperity. Yet, here, they're part of a cartographic setting, marking the boundaries of known space. This juxtaposition reminds us of the human desire to not only map the external world but also to tame and cultivate it. Consider the spiral scrolls: echoing the helix of life itself. Their presence here speaks to an eternal recurrence, a theme ever-present in the human psyche. This little print, therefore, is not just about borders and fruit; it's a microcosm of our perennial quest for order, abundance, and understanding of our place in the world.