Twee plattegronden van een stad op Malta en van Gozo 1665

These two city plans of Malta and Gozo were etched by Antonio Francesco Lucini in the 17th century. Dominating each map is a compass rose, a symbol that transcends mere navigation. The compass rose, with its radiating points, echoes the ancient idea of the wheel of fortune, a motif found in countless cultures. Think of the Roman goddess Fortuna, or even the Buddhist Dharma wheel. Over time, the compass became intertwined with ideas of destiny and control over one's path, evolving from a tool into a potent symbol. Subconsciously, the compass rose speaks to our deep-seated desire to understand and control the unpredictable currents of life. Its appearance here, on maps of fortified cities, creates a dialogue: we build walls and defenses, yet we also seek guidance to navigate the wider world. This dichotomy, this tension between protection and exploration, is perhaps the image's most enduring quality.