Plan van de citadel van Tournai, 1709 1709 - 1729

This is a plan of the citadel of Tournai, made in 1709 by an anonymous artist, created with pen and brown ink. The material of paper, with its inherent qualities of flatness and fragility, is crucial to understanding the object. It allows for the precise depiction of the citadel's layout and fortifications in plan and profile. The ink, applied with a steady hand, delineates the complex geometry of the site. We can imagine the meticulous work involved in surveying the land, translating measurements into a legible and accurate drawing. The artist would have engaged with the skilled traditions of drafting and cartography, distinct from the fine arts. This plan served a practical purpose, aiding in military strategy and urban planning. But it also reflects the social and political context of its creation, representing power, control, and the labor involved in constructing and maintaining such a massive defensive structure. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we gain a richer understanding of this object, moving beyond traditional distinctions between art and craft.