Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXXIII), 1703 1703 - 1710

Pieter Schenk’s 1703 print, made using etching, presents a panorama of martial architecture. Dominating the composition, we see fortifications—complex, star-shaped bastions—symbols of power, defense, and control during an age of persistent conflict. The star fort, or bastion fort, has roots stretching back to the Italian Renaissance. Earlier appearances can be found in the form of city walls as a defense. Think of the walls of Constantinople, whose concentric walls evolved as warfare developed and siege weapons became more powerful. This star shape is not merely aesthetic, but a direct response to the rising dominance of gunpowder weaponry; its angles deflect cannon fire, maximizing defensive capabilities. Interestingly, the star motif, from ancient cosmological maps to contemporary emblems, resonates on a deeper level. Consider how the image of the star has always conveyed a sense of guidance. Its continuous evolution, adapting to the changing tides of warfare and symbolic expression, is a testament to the enduring human impulse to project meaning onto our world.