Plattegrond van de Alkmaarder Hout 1767 - 1768

This is Jan van Jagen's plan of the Alkmaarder Hout, made in the 18th century. The compass rose, prominently placed, signals not just direction but the human desire to chart and control our environment. Notice how this symbol has evolved from ancient navigation tools to become a fixture in maps worldwide, representing our enduring quest for orientation. Think of the psychological comfort a compass rose offers: a promise of order amidst the chaos of the unknown. In van Jagen's plan, the rose overlays a carefully ordered landscape, but it also hints at deeper, less tangible aspects of human perception and the emotional weight we assign to places. This map is not just a practical tool, but a canvas of human longing for certainty.