Plattegrond van de stad Goes c. 1696 - 1700

Curator: Before us is a fascinating etching from circa 1696-1700, titled "Plattegrond van de stad Goes," attributed to C. de Bye. It's an intricate city plan rendered in the Baroque style. Editor: My initial impression is of a city constrained, almost suffocated, by its geometric defenses. Look at those rigid, star-shaped fortifications. The visual weight is all at the periphery. Curator: Precisely. That geometric structure is highly symbolic, reflecting the Baroque obsession with order and control. The star shape wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing; each point allowed for a wider field of fire, embodying power. Editor: From a formal perspective, the contrast between the densely packed inner city and the sharp, clean lines of the fortifications creates an interesting visual tension. Notice the intricate network of streets inside that perimeter; so organic within such hard geometry. Curator: That's a powerful dichotomy. The map also reminds us of the vulnerability inherent in city life. Maps aren't just about geography; they are about ownership, about power struggles inscribed onto the land. Those angelic figures at the top seem like protective spirits, even as the etching conveys a sense of impending conflict. Editor: Indeed. And from a compositional perspective, their presence disrupts the otherwise strict geometric scheme, adding a touch of the celestial amidst the terrestrial. This use of etching emphasizes texture, giving us great detail for light and shadow that gives it so much character. Curator: These details would certainly function as memory cues for viewers familiar with Goes at that time, reinforcing communal identity and shared experience in a specific place. The names meticulously noted point to trade routes and centers of communal power. Editor: Ultimately, the print achieves an uncanny balance between scientific accuracy and aesthetic expression. Seeing order rendered this beautifully brings me back to what cartography truly conveys. Curator: For me, it is a stark reminder of how our understanding of place is deeply embedded within power dynamics. Every symbol has a history. Editor: It has been rewarding to observe the city form’s complex language together today. Thank you for this close look.