Plattegrond van Doornik 1582 - 1588

This is an anonymous map of Doornik, made using etching. The map is a fascinating glimpse into the cartography of the time, reflecting the societal structures and power dynamics inherent in urban planning. Notice how the city is laid out, with key buildings and fortifications meticulously detailed. This attention to detail highlights what was valued and deemed important by those in power. Consider also, what this map leaves out. Who is not represented here? Whose stories are erased? This becomes a question about access, influence, and who gets to shape the narrative of a place. Maps are never neutral; they reflect the worldviews and priorities of their creators. This Plattegrond van Doornik invites us to think critically about how cities are shaped, both physically and ideologically, and who gets to decide what stories are told.