Center of the World

I did not realize the information that maps could provide beyond direction until going to the Bibliotheque Nationalle de France Map Department. There, I was able to learn so much more about France and her relationship with the rest of the world. Paris was drawn out in great detail in a variety of maps while the countryside was barely understood. Louis XVI finally commissioned hunting maps of the areas around Versailles and the surrounding land was elevated to “map status.” This disregard for detail can also be seen in older maps of America. Louisiana would the focus but would not be drawn out in true likeness; non-existent geographical locations were drawn in. This center of the world approach showcases that France was an empire for a long time and was the center of life for its subjects. This understanding served me well while exploring her grand museums, palaces, and gardens.