Cornelis Mortier – North and South Pole, 1720 Antique world maps HQ

The composition presents a curious juxtaposition of cartographic representation and allegorical figuration. Above, we observe a meticulously rendered map segment, focused on the polar regions. A grid system overlays the depiction, suggesting a scientific or systematic approach to geographical understanding. Concentric circles emanate from both poles, marking degrees of latitude and reinforcing the notion of these areas as central points in a global framework. The landmasses surrounding the South Pole are colored pink, indicating an attempt at defining their contours despite limited empirical knowledge. Text labels identify key features and regions, contributing to the map’s informational purpose.
Below this cartographic display, a scene unfolds within a turbulent sea. Several male figures, seemingly mythological or allegorical in nature, propel a small boat through the waves. Their poses are dramatic, conveying exertion and struggle against the elements. One figure brandishes a trident, suggesting dominion over the ocean, while another appears to be guiding the vessel with a staff. The attire of these individuals is elaborate – draped fabrics and classical ornamentation – indicating their status as symbolic representations rather than realistic portrayals. A creature resembling a sea monster or mythical beast emerges from the water on the right side of the scene, adding an element of danger and fantastical narrative.
The contrast between the precise, rational map above and the dynamic, imaginative scene below is striking. The cartographic section embodies the burgeoning scientific inquiry of the era – a desire to chart and understand the world through observation and measurement. Conversely, the lower portion evokes a sense of the unknown, the perilous, and the mythical – a realm where human endeavor confronts forces beyond comprehension.
The subtext likely speaks to the challenges inherent in exploration and mapping during this period. The map represents the aspiration for knowledge and control over geographical space, while the scene below acknowledges the formidable obstacles – both natural and symbolic – that stood in the way of achieving it. It is a visual commentary on the tension between scientific ambition and the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping perceptions of distant lands. The placement of this allegorical group beneath the map suggests they are integral to understanding these regions, perhaps representing the trials and tribulations faced by those who attempted to chart them or the symbolic forces that guarded their secrets.