Titelprent voor prentwerk: Les Forces de l'Europe, Asie, Afrique et Amerique (deel 1), ca. 1702 1702 - 1703

This anonymous etching from around 1702, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a military encampment, highlighting the strategic importance of fortification. Note the shields bearing geometric patterns. These aren’t merely decorative; they are symbolic representations of fortified cities, emblems of power and protection. These shapes remind me of the star forts, or bastion forts, that evolved during the Renaissance. Their angular designs, meant to deflect cannon fire, became powerful symbols of defense and resilience. We find echoes of these forms across history, from ancient citadels to modern military architecture. Consider how the act of fortification, deeply rooted in our collective consciousness, evokes both safety and the ever-present threat of conflict. The motif of the fortified place resurfaces again and again, adapting to new technologies and new cultural contexts, each time reflecting our enduring desire for security in an uncertain world.