Plattegrond van Amsterdam, 1544 (tiende deel) c. 1544 - 1557

This is a section of Cornelis Anthonisz's 1544 map of Amsterdam, a detailed view rendered with ink. Note how the city's maritime strength is showcased through meticulously drawn ships. But it is the border that interests me most. Observe the intricate knotwork pattern that frames the scene. This symbol, ancient and widespread, is a key to understanding human anxieties and aspirations through time. We see it echoed in Celtic art, Norse carvings, and even far-flung Byzantine mosaics. Its continuous, interwoven lines speak to a primal yearning for connection, a hope to bind disparate parts into a harmonious whole. The knot's resistance to easy unraveling embodies a wish for permanence, a subconscious defense against the chaotic forces of time and chance. Here, the knot physically and symbolically contains Amsterdam, warding off threats and preserving its identity. What was once a protective device has now become a symbol that, through cultural memory, engages viewers with an intense psychological push and pull between chaos and order.