Vestingplattegrond van Nieuwpoort c. 1693 - 1700

This anonymous etching shows us Gheerteberge. Above the city, we see coats of arms that represent authority and identity. These symbols connect the town to its rulers and traditions. The layout of the town, with its walls and religious buildings, speaks of protection and spiritual life. Note the church spires reaching upwards, a motif that recurs throughout history, aiming to connect earthly life with the heavens. These spires echo the Tower of Babel, each a phallic symbol of ambition and reaching for higher knowledge, representing our timeless quest for understanding and transcendence. The image resonates with a sense of collective identity, reflecting a deep connection to place. This etching is not just a map, but a cultural artifact, revealing the enduring symbols that shape our understanding of community and spirituality.