Plattegrond van Phalsbourg, ca. 1702 1702 - 1703

This is an anonymous drawing of Phalsbourg, made around 1702. The stark lines and precise geometry immediately capture the eye, presenting a structured, almost crystalline vision of urban space. The layout is dominated by a star-shaped fortification. Notice how each point of the star extends outwards, creating defensive bastions. Inside, the town is neatly organized into rectangular blocks, a grid-like system reflecting the period's emphasis on order and control. The visual elements of line and shape create a sense of containment and rational planning. This drawing functions beyond mere representation. It embodies the principles of power and surveillance. The geometric precision is not just aesthetic but a tool of governance. The map invites us to consider how space is constructed, controlled, and perceived. The lines and angles symbolize a world meticulously ordered and surveilled.