Beleg en inname van Den Bosch door Frederik Hendrik, 1629, (blad rechtsboven) 1630

Cornelis Danckerts produced this print in 1629, depicting Frederik Hendrik's siege of Den Bosch. Look closely, and you’ll notice the recurring motif of the star fort, or "star castle". These fortifications, with their angular projections, were designed to eliminate blind spots. A potent symbol of power and control, each point of the star is a glaring eye, ever watchful. But consider how this symbol echoes through time. The star, a motif of guidance and protection, becomes militarized. The same star that guided the Magi now shapes the architecture of war. What psychological impact did these star forts have on those besieged within, or those laying siege? The imposing geometry, a constant reminder of vulnerability. Notice how this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, leaving us to question our perception of symbols as we remember the past.