Plattegrond van Doornik 1697 - 1728

This detailed plan of Doornik, etched by an anonymous hand, presents a vision of a fortified city, a common sight in its time. The city’s walls, shaped like a star, are not merely architectural features; they are potent symbols of protection and power. This star fort, a response to advancements in artillery, echoes in forms across Europe, from the bastions of Italy to the fortresses of the Netherlands. It’s a motif that speaks to a collective anxiety and the perpetual human quest for security, mirrored even in the layout of Renaissance ideal cities. The compass rose in the corner, a guide for travelers, also appears on ancient maps, each iteration slightly altered, yet fundamentally the same. It speaks to our innate desire to navigate and understand our place in the world. These aren’t just lines on paper, but the cartographer's rendering of a complex interplay between fear, aspiration, and the ever-present awareness of the world around us, echoing through time and space.