Plattegrond van Carmagnola, ca. 1702 1702 - 1703

Around 1702, an anonymous hand etched this plan of Carmagnola, capturing not just geography, but a story of defense and human resilience. Notice the star-shaped fortification surrounding the city. This design, common in the 17th and 18th centuries, echoes a deep-seated human need for protection. But look closer, and you might see that it mirrors earlier symbols, like the rosette, a primal image of cyclical return and defense against chaos. Consider how this star shape appears in ancient sun wheels or even in the layout of sacred spaces. The impulse to shield and center ourselves is an archetypal one, isn't it? It resurfaces throughout history, each time molded by new fears and new technologies. Here, in this practical map, we find the echo of humanity's unending quest for safety and order, a powerful reminder of our collective anxieties and the enduring symbols that attempt to contain them.