Beleg van Doornik, 1709 1735

This anonymous map, made in 1709, depicts the siege of Doornik. At its lower-left, we see a powerful symbolic tableau that is more than just illustrative; it speaks to enduring cultural anxieties and aspirations. Observe the griffin, a hybrid creature, a symbol of strength and vigilance since antiquity, here seemingly in conflict. Beside it, a lion is in a mirroring pose, possibly representing a national entity. These animals guard a cartouche, underscoring the importance of the written word in shaping perceptions of power. The unicorn, a symbol of purity and grace, stands behind. Such symbolic struggles are not new; consider the friezes of ancient temples, where battles between gods and titans mirror human conflicts, embodying a timeless struggle between order and chaos. The emotional power of these symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective memory, evoking primal fears and desires that transcend the immediate context of the siege. These symbols are not static. They evolve, resurface, and are reinterpreted, reflecting the ever-changing tapestry of human experience.