Magnificent Maps: Cartography as Power, Propaganda, and Art | Brain Pickings The Americas by Diego Gutiérrez, 1562  This is a powerful celebration of Spain's New World Empire, beginning in the late 15th century. In the upper left-hand corner is the arms of King Philip II (reigned 1554-1598). In the sea, Philip appears on a chariot, riding through a turbulent Atlantic. The map aimed to strengthen Spain's political image in Europe and its claim to the Americas.
{}