I agree, the size of this foldout suggests that the details are important, which in turn implies that the images are meaningful.
To answer the original question, I think it helps to consider the two alternatives:
1. Draw the entire diagram on a regular folio. In this case, details will be lost.
2. Split the diagram, with one rosette per page for example. This would pull apart the diagram itself, and the overview will be lost.
The conclusion is that both the overall diagram and the details within are important. As Cary and I have recently argued, the specific type of foldout that was chosen may also mean that a square shape was desired.
To answer the original question, I think it helps to consider the two alternatives:
1. Draw the entire diagram on a regular folio. In this case, details will be lost.
2. Split the diagram, with one rosette per page for example. This would pull apart the diagram itself, and the overview will be lost.
The conclusion is that both the overall diagram and the details within are important. As Cary and I have recently argued, the specific type of foldout that was chosen may also mean that a square shape was desired.
