This slightly ominous picture is one of the biggest mysteries in the history of Western cartography. Usually, it is simply called “The Fool’s Cap” – and until now no one knows why, when, where and by whom it was created.
The only thing that can be said about it with certainty is that it was created sometime in 1580-1590. But the sources diverge even in the definition of the projection used in it – some argue that it is a ptolemic (i.e., equidistant conical) system, others claim that it is more similar to the technique of Mercator and/or Ortelius.
The map depicts the world “dressed” in the traditional entourage of a court buffoon: a two-hooded cap with bells and a buffoon staff. The face is hidden (or replaced) by the map, creating a somewhat ominous and menacing sensation.
The archetype of the Jester, represented here in his incarnation of a court jester, is the first indicator of some deep meaning embedded in the map by its creator. In the old days, the buffoon was a court figure, who was allowed to make fun of the ruler and speak the pure truth. This was a rare and useful opportunity in times of corrupting monarchic absolutism. But criticism of this kind was possible only if it was filed under the disarming, grotesque view of the Jester – preferably a dwarf hunchback, that is, one who can not be taken too seriously.
All this was obvious and well known to people who looked at this map in the 16th century. The uncomfortable truth that this map told us was that the world is a dark, irrational and dangerous place, and life in it is disgusting, cruel and short.
“Democritus laughed at it, Heraclitus wept over it and Epicthonius Cosmopolites portrayed it.”
This is emphasized by sayings from biblical and classical sources scattered throughout the map. The phrase on the left side of the card reads: “Democritus laughed at it, Heraclitus wept over it and Epicthonius Cosmopolites portrayed it.” Over the cap is the Latin version of the Greek dictum, “Know thyself.” On the eyebrow’s eyebolt, there is an inscription “O head, worthy of a dose of hellebore.” (In antiquity, some plants of the family of “elleborum” used as a medicine. According to the ancients, the hellebore caused insanity)
The reason for so many problems and discords is explained in a quote from Ecclesiastes under the map: “The number of fools is infinite.” Another quote from the same depressive of the biblical books is located on the staff of the jester and says: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecc. 1:2) On the badges that adorn the shoulder strap, several other same encouraging sayings are inscribed: “Oh, the worries of the world; oh, how much triviality is there in the world,” “Everyone is without sense,” and “All things are vanity: every man living. ”
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”
For some researchers, the sum of these sayings, as well as their image in the cartographic entourage, points to a little-known Christian sect known as the “Family of Love.” There are rumors that the well-known Flemish cartographer Ortelius was also in the ranks of this secret group.
But much remains a mystery, since the last part of this cartographic puzzle is the name written in the upper left corner: Orontius Fineus. This name is associated with a mysterious map of 1531, depicting ice-free Antarctica, covered with the rivers. This fact raises many new questions. Why did this name appear on the map, which appeared many decades later? Could this man be the creator of this card? And we must admit that most of the meanings that this card carries are still a complete mystery to this day.
