Plattegrond van het Hercules monument te Karlsberg 1706

This is an unauthored ground plan of the Hercules monument at Karlsberg. Here, the octagonal structure is more than just a shape; it's an echo of ancient cosmological diagrams, symbolizing balance and cosmic order. This form, deeply rooted in classical architecture, recalls the Tower of the Winds in Athens, where each side was oriented to a specific wind, acting as a symbolic compass. The octagon's reappearance here suggests a similar ambition: to align earthly power with celestial harmony. We see, through the centuries, these motifs aren't fixed. They evolve, adapting to new cultural landscapes, yet retain a kernel of their original emotional power. Just as the ancients sought to harness the power of the winds, the creators of this plan sought to invoke the strength and authority of Hercules. A figure, like this plan, forever imprinted on the collective memory.