xiaobao1
Blaeu Map Cartouche - 1642-43
Object Lesson 1 – Unit 2
Blaeu Map Cartouche – 1642-43
One of the most fascinating things I noticed when looking at the maps in the Map Library are the cartouches on some of the artifacts. With an extensive background and interest in art, these detailed images found in the corners of a couple of maps really drew my attention. In and of themselves, they are small drawings done by very skilled artists. The drawing in this example depicts a very detailed drawing of a man in armor, perhaps a conquistador, with a Greek or Roman looking goddess. There are also cherubs in the cartouche, which draws references on Italian renaissance art. When placed on maps, these images renegotiate the function of the maps (and the map renegotiates the function of the drawing). Maps are normally thought of as tools, a way for people to orient themselves and learn about the world around them, while art serves a more aesthetic and decorative purpose. When combined, the function of the object ends up taking more of a middle ground between a useful tool and an aesthetic piece.
The curator mentioned that this map almost never made it to the University of Michigan because the person in charge of selling it had another interested buyer who was a decorator and wanted to hang the map as a piece of artwork. Apparently, this made the curator rather upset because he saw the map as an invaluable academic and historical relic. This issue brings up an interesting hierarchy within maps, where from the curator’s standpoint, the academic purpose is far beyond the aesthetic in terms of importance, a viewpoint that I don’t entirely agree with. Based on the designs on and around the map, the decorative aspect of the map was certainly important to the mapmaker as well. Perhaps it was a way to make the maps more valuable and sought after by consumers.
Furthermore, the way the maps are kept in the map library, I wonder how many people are actually able to view them and appreciate them. I didn’t know about this library until we made the trip there as a class, and by the looks of it, it’s not often frequented by students. These maps, therefore, are probably not seen by a great number of people. I wonder if they were treated as just aesthetic pieces, they would get more viewers and exposure to the rest of society. What is the most important functions of these maps? Do they actually succeed in fulfilling these functions?
Blaeu Map Cartouche - 1642-43
Object Lesson 1 – Unit 2
Blaeu Map Cartouche – 1642-43
One of the most fascinating things I noticed when looking at the maps in the Map Library are the cartouches on some of the artifacts. With an extensive background and interest in art, these detailed images found in the corners of a couple of maps really drew my attention. In and of themselves, they are small drawings done by very skilled artists. The drawing in this example depicts a very detailed drawing of a man in armor, perhaps a conquistador, with a Greek or Roman looking goddess. There are also cherubs in the cartouche, which draws references on Italian renaissance art. When placed on maps, these images renegotiate the function of the maps (and the map renegotiates the function of the drawing). Maps are normally thought of as tools, a way for people to orient themselves and learn about the world around them, while art serves a more aesthetic and decorative purpose. When combined, the function of the object ends up taking more of a middle ground between a useful tool and an aesthetic piece.
The curator mentioned that this map almost never made it to the University of Michigan because the person in charge of selling it had another interested buyer who was a decorator and wanted to hang the map as a piece of artwork. Apparently, this made the curator rather upset because he saw the map as an invaluable academic and historical relic. This issue brings up an interesting hierarchy within maps, where from the curator’s standpoint, the academic purpose is far beyond the aesthetic in terms of importance, a viewpoint that I don’t entirely agree with. Based on the designs on and around the map, the decorative aspect of the map was certainly important to the mapmaker as well. Perhaps it was a way to make the maps more valuable and sought after by consumers.
Furthermore, the way the maps are kept in the map library, I wonder how many people are actually able to view them and appreciate them. I didn’t know about this library until we made the trip there as a class, and by the looks of it, it’s not often frequented by students. These maps, therefore, are probably not seen by a great number of people. I wonder if they were treated as just aesthetic pieces, they would get more viewers and exposure to the rest of society. What is the most important functions of these maps? Do they actually succeed in fulfilling these functions?