Plattegrond van Leiden met stadsgezicht 1707 - 1757

This is Matthaeus Seutter’s rendering of Leiden, a Dutch city, made around the early 18th century. Focus on the city's layout, encircled by fortifications; its walls are more than just a defense. These barriers have long been symbolic, harking back to ancient city-states, representing protection and order. Consider how the city walls have evolved. From Jericho's ancient stone ramparts to the Great Wall of China, they materialize a collective need for security and identity. Each culture adapts this symbol, reflecting its unique anxieties and aspirations. Leiden's star-shaped fortifications, seen here, are a far cry from those ancient walls, yet the underlying psychological need remains. It is a fascinating insight into how the past continually reshapes the present, with a city plan evoking the deep-seated human desire for order and safety.