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

This illustration by Romeyn de Hooghe, made for Allain Manesson Mallet’s book, depicts how to draw figures on a field. The image presents a geometric figure that symbolizes a military fortification. The star-shaped fort, with its angular projections, echoes a motif found across centuries and continents, from ancient city plans to Renaissance military treatises. It's a symbol of defense, a visual embodiment of power and control. One can almost feel the weight of history pressing down, the countless sieges and battles fought over such strategic points. This symbol of power, which began as a tool of protection, can be seen throughout art history as representations of strength, and the psychological need for security and order. The non-linear progression of this symbol continues in modern society where it has resurfaced as motifs in architecture, urban planning, and even corporate logos, having been reinterpreted and adapted to new contexts.