Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

Romeyn de Hooghe etched this illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet’s book around the turn of the 18th century. Its complex geometric plan of a fortified city immediately strikes the eye. The star-shaped design, with its multiple points, is not merely decorative; it is a reflection of the era’s military strategy, intended to offer maximum defensive advantage. Now, consider how similar star motifs appear in various contexts across time. Think of the Star of David, a symbol of protection and divine guidance, or the stars adorning celestial maps, embodying mankind’s quest for knowledge and control over the unknown. The star, deeply embedded in our collective memory, represents not just aspiration but also the human desire for order. The emotional resonance of this symbol is profound. It evokes feelings of hope, direction, and protection against the chaos of the external world. The symbol's enduring power illustrates how cultural motifs resurface in unexpected guises, mirroring our innermost desires and anxieties across the ages.