Prints and charts
Photographing prints and charts
When photographing historical prints, maps and charts, capturing the structure of the paper and rendering the nearly white nuances is very important. For this reason, the contrast and colour balance are accurately determined using colour management. Although prints often have more contrast than drawings, measurements still need to be taken to ensure that the work comes across as vibrant and true-to-life.
Detail of the decoration on a seventeenth century map concerning drainage sluices, canals and polders in the province of North Holland.
Historical prints, maps and charts all contribute to how we experience the past. Using different techniques, prints and cards were produced in multiple copies, enabling them to reach a large public. The intent of the works you see below was far less personal than drawings made in the same period: here it was more about the world-at-large, travelling and discovery.
Two coloured prints of the enigmatic Brittenburg Castle. This Roman border fort was supposedly located on the North Sea coast near Katwijk. However, the castle disappeared into the sea without trace: having last been heard of in 1923. The prints are part of a collection given as a gift in 2013 to Duivenvoorde Castle by Prof. F. C. J. Ketelaar.
Johannes Stradamus, (1520-1570) depicting Columbus’ voyage, collection Gallery Rob Kattenburg.
Johannes Stradamus (1520-1570) The Discovery of America, collection Gallery Rob Kattenburg.
Two coloured maps by the celebrated Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu (Amsterdam 1598/1599-1673) collection of Gallery Rob Kattenburg.