Plattegrond van Charleroi, ingenomen door de Fransen in 1701 1701

This anonymous print depicts Charleroi, captured by the French in 1701. Note the town's geometric shape, a star fortress. This design, popular since the 16th century, isn't merely practical; it symbolizes man's imposition of order upon nature, reflecting a growing confidence in human reason. The star motif carries echoes through history, from ancient cosmologies to Renaissance occultism. Think of the Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci’s depiction of ideal human proportions within a circle and square—a symbol of man as the microcosm of the universe. Here, the fortress mirrors that concept on a societal level. This isn't just a map; it's an assertion of power. The rigid geometry can also be seen as an attempt to control the chaos of war and the uncertainty of the world. The viewer is invited to engage with the image on a subconscious level, perceiving not just the layout of a town, but a deeper psychological narrative about control, order, and the human will. The symbol of the star fortress continues to resurface, evolved, and take on new meanings across time.