Plattegrond van Landau, 1693 1693

This is an anonymous 1693 engraving, "Plattegrond van Landau" from the holdings of the Rijksmuseum, presents a captivating aerial view of the fortified city. The city is contained within a symmetrical, star-shaped boundary. Its complex geometry is rendered through the stark contrast of fine lines against the paper. This high-contrast palette underscores the functional intent of the map, prioritizing clarity and precision over aesthetic embellishment. However, this seemingly objective representation is mediated through cultural and political lenses. The ordered layout reflects an ambition to control and govern space, a prevalent theme in early modern European city planning. The star shape, a common design for military fortifications during this era, symbolizes defense and power. The map becomes not just a geographical document, but a semiotic device, communicating power structures and spatial ideologies. The emphasis on geometric form and structured space encourages us to consider how this formal quality extends beyond mere aesthetics. It serves as a visual encoding of broader cultural attitudes toward order, control, and defense in a world increasingly shaped by military conflict.