Brook's Globalization: Interdependence of the World’s Economy during the 17th Century

Brook's Globalization: Interdependence of the World’s Economy during the 17th Century
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An analysis of Brook's (2007) literary work reveals that Johannes Vermeer's paintings contain the pieces of evidence that link the start of globalization in the 17th century. He argued that Vermeer immortalized in his paintings are the clues on how 17th century life was affected by transnational trading and Europe’s curiosity to search for knowledge around the world. Although Brook's (2007) made many compelling arguments about different primary sources, understanding the 17th century globes, the Chinese porcelains in Europe, A Treatise on Superfluous Things, and the shipwrecks of the Galleon ships near the Philippine islands are significant in explaining the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world in the 17th century because of capitalism and globalization.
Europe was known for its global expeditions and circumnavigations that expanded their perspective about the world; however, discovering new geographic locations means recreating a predefined notion about the model of the earth, the globe. A globe is a material object that is made by cartographers to shows a replica of the global geography. The 17th century globes are always changing because the world or rather their understanding of the world is also changing. Also, a more accurate globe improves public good and safety because it can prevent costly shipwrecks from uncharted territories that can cripple a nation’s economy. In one of Vermeer's painting, The Geographer, it shows a cartographer looking outside a window with his version of the globe above the cabinet. Brook (2007) explained that the version of that globe lacks accuracy since discoveries of different routes are simultaneously being made from European expeditions. Europeans had great obsessions about making a more accurate version of the globe because it can show the most efficient international trade routes available, especially those trade routes going to Asia since their obsessions are also linked with the wealth of Asian countries like China. The primary goal then is to monopolize the most efficient trading route and capitalize on the acquisition of international products. This 17th century goal shows the consumerism and production values of Europe that were implied in the revisions of globes to be a strong driving force for capitalism and globalization. This is all because of the European notion that the fastest way to China is also the fastest way for great...