Plattegrond van Bommel, 1599 1607 - 1612

This is "Plattegrond van Bommel," an anonymous engraving from 1599, now held at the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the symmetrical and geometric layout draws the eye. The circular town, fortified by star-shaped bastions, presents a visually intricate pattern. The rigorous design transcends mere cartography. The formal arrangement and architectural rendering of the city convey a sense of order and control, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with proportion and geometry. The detailed depiction of fortifications and urban planning suggests a structured approach to power and defense. Consider the stark contrast between the ordered space of the city and the fluidity of the surrounding waters. This contrast might symbolize the tension between human control and the natural world, or perhaps the vulnerability of even the most fortified spaces. This engraving offers a detailed representation of Bommel, but it also engages with broader questions about space, power, and representation.