Henrietta Fort 1665 - 1675

Wenceslaus Hollar etched this sheet depicting Henrietta Fort. At first glance, the stark, angular fortresses dominate the landscape, symbols of power and control. Yet, these structures evoke a deeper sense of isolation, reminiscent of ancient watchtowers or even mythical strongholds guarding sacred knowledge. Consider the motif of the isolated tower. We see it echoed across centuries, from the Tower of Babel, symbolizing human ambition and its inevitable fall, to the medieval fortresses, emblems of feudal authority. It is a symbol laden with cultural memory. These towers engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level by tapping into archetypal fears and desires for protection, dominance, and the unknown. As we journey through time, the meaning of this symbol fluctuates – from a testament to human ingenuity to a stark reminder of mortality. The tower is a powerful visual metaphor, continually reinvented to reflect the anxieties and aspirations of each new era.