Plattegrond van Belfort, 1726 1726

This anonymous etching from 1726 offers us a schematic vision of Belfort. Its star-shaped fortifications, a common sight in early modern Europe, speak of a city girded for conflict, reflecting a time of shifting territories and ever-present threat. The star fort, or 'trace italienne,' echoes fortifications found across continents, each point designed to eliminate dead zones and provide interlocking fields of fire. Yet, these shapes also evoke older symbols, like mandalas or cosmological diagrams. We must then ask, is this shape purely utilitarian, or does it tap into something deeper within the collective psyche? Consider the medieval walled city, a symbol of protection against the chaos of the outside world. These fortifications are not only physical barriers, but also potent images that engage the viewer on a deep, subconscious level, evoking a sense of security but also a constant state of alert.