The West Side of Yorke Castle 1669

Wenceslaus Hollar etched "The West Side of Yorke Castle" in 1669, capturing the fortress with its sturdy walls and towers against the backdrop of Tangier's bay. These fortifications are more than mere stone; they are symbols of power, protection, and the ever-present threat of conflict. Towers have always been a potent motif. Think of the Tower of Babel, a testament to ambition, or the watchtowers in medieval tapestries, safeguarding the realm. Similarly, the walls here evoke not just physical defense, but also the psychological barriers erected against the unknown and the feared. Consider the cyclical nature of this symbol. From the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia to the modern skyscrapers, the desire to build high, to fortify, remains a constant. This impulse transcends epochs, reflecting our primal need for security and dominance. In this castle, we see echoes of past anxieties and a timeless quest for control over one’s domain. It's a powerful emblem, engaging our deepest subconscious understanding of strength and vulnerability.