Vestingplattegrond van Gent 1695 - 1711

This map of Gent, an engraving by an anonymous artist, presents the city as a fortress, a symbol of power and defense. The star-shaped fortifications, prominent in this image, have a history stretching back to ancient military strategies. Similar designs appear in Roman camps and medieval castles. Here, in Gent, these fortresses represent more than physical defense; they embody the city's enduring spirit and resilience against outside forces. The emotional impact of such structured and planned defenses evokes a sense of security, reflecting a collective desire for protection. Like the recurring motifs of the wandering nymphs and the triumphant heroes in ancient art, the fortress here is a symbolic representation of a civilization's will to endure. These patterns resurface throughout history, echoing the collective memory of our ancestors.