Beleg van Lille, 1708 1708 - 1729

This detailed engraving depicts the siege of Lille in 1708, showcasing the city's fortifications and the surrounding landscape with a stark, almost obsessive precision. The dominant visual motif is the Vauban-style fortification, a star-shaped arrangement of walls and bastions designed to maximize defensive capabilities. These star-shaped fortifications, with their angular projections, echo the ancient concept of the mandala – a symbol of cosmic order and protection found in various cultures. Consider the recurring appearance of circular and radial patterns in both the layout of ancient cities and the symbolic architecture of temples and cathedrals across the globe. The psychological impact of this design speaks to humanity's primal need for security. The star fort, with its complex geometry, reflects a deep-seated desire to impose order on chaos, to create a space of invulnerability in the face of existential threats. The motif’s continuous evolution and adaptation in diverse cultural contexts show how this symbol has resurfaced and taken on new meanings in response to varying historical forces.