Plattegrond van en gezicht op Madrid 1707 - 1757

This map of Madrid, made by an anonymous artist, presents the city as a dense tapestry of human activity and order. Dominating the upper right and left are heraldic symbols, standing as emblems of power and governance. Consider the crown atop the crest, a symbol seen throughout history from ancient empires to monarchical Europe. It signifies not just political authority but also divine legitimacy, the right to rule bestowed by a higher power. Think of the crowns in Byzantine mosaics, radiating spiritual authority, or even earlier, the laurel wreaths of Roman emperors, each marking the head as a site of power. These aren't mere decorations, but potent symbols that resonate with our collective memory. These symbols stir deep within us a primal understanding of hierarchy and control. The image engages us on an instinctive level, prompting us to reflect on the ever-shifting dance between authority and the human spirit.