Vestingplattegrond van Saumur 1638

This is an anonymous plan of Saumur, rendered with colored ink on paper. Here, we see a town bisected by a river, a composition that evokes the ebb and flow of life itself. Notice the stark contrast between the structured settlements and the wild, untamed flow of water. This division echoes throughout history, appearing in countless maps and cityscapes. From ancient Egyptian depictions of the Nile dividing life and death to modern urban planning, this dichotomy reflects our perennial struggle to impose order on nature. The river itself is more than just a geographical feature; it's a symbol of flux and change, a constant reminder of the transient nature of existence. Just as Heraclitus observed, we cannot step into the same river twice. The visual tension between settlement and river engages us on a deep, subconscious level. It represents our desire for stability and our acknowledgement of the inevitability of change. This endless cycle is part of humanity's ongoing negotiation with the world. It is a powerful force, a primal drama that continues to unfold.