Grote kaart van Antwerpen met de mislukte aanslag in 1605 (blad rechtsonder) 1569 - 1605

Pieter van der Heyden made this map of Antwerp with an etching around 1605. Notice the prominent statue in the foreground, a nude male figure sitting atop a column. This figure points outward, a classic gesture. We see this motif echoed through the ages, from Roman orators to Renaissance depictions of John the Baptist, each pointing, directing, guiding. Here, its presence may reflect a communal need for guidance, evoking a deep-seated psychological desire for direction and order in a turbulent world. This gesture, seemingly simple, carries a profound emotional weight, tapping into our collective memory. The pointing figure thus becomes a symbol of historical continuity, reminding us of the enduring human need for leadership. The meaning has evolved through centuries, but its underlying psychological appeal remains potent.