Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This Illustration for 'Den Arbeid van Mars' was created by Romeyn de Hooghe in the late 17th century, and is now held at the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the work presents a rigidly structured composition divided into two distinct sections. The upper part, draped like a curtain, depicts the city skyline with remarkable detail. Below, the star-shaped fortress is rendered with an almost obsessive geometric precision, its sharp angles contrasting with the more organic representation of the surrounding landscape. De Hooghe masterfully employs line and form to create a sense of depth and order. The rigorous, almost scientific approach to the fortress layout can be seen as a reflection of the period’s interest in military strategy and urban planning. The engraving invites us to consider how power and control are visualized through spatial organization. The work challenges our understanding of urban space, suggesting it is not merely a physical entity but a carefully constructed system of defense and dominance.