Plattegrond van Buda, 1686 1693 - 1696

Harmanus van Loon etched this map of Buda in 1686, capturing the city under siege. The dominant symbol here is the river Danube, snaking through the landscape like a serpent, both a barrier and a lifeline. Rivers, these arteries of civilization, recur throughout history as symbols of division and connection, a dualistic image echoing in ancient mythologies. Think of the river Styx, a boundary between worlds, or the Nile, the source of life itself. The representation of Buda under siege evokes collective memories of conflict and resilience. This image transcends its immediate context, tapping into a deeper, almost subconscious understanding of historical events. The map becomes more than just a document; it is a potent symbol, echoing through time, of humanity’s endless struggle for survival and dominance.