Huis Lieroort en Langackerschans, 1673 1673 - 1674

This anonymous etching from 1673 presents two circular maps of Huis Lieroort and Langackerschans. The composition is divided into distinct yet connected spheres, showcasing a formal approach to cartography. Linear precision defines each structure, waterway, and fortification, emphasizing the strategic layout of these sites. The arrangement of lines creates a semiotic system; the varying thicknesses denote walls, water, or terrain. This allows the viewer to decode the military and geographical significance of each location. The rigid geometric shapes of the fortresses contrast with the fluid lines representing the surrounding waters, revealing a tension between natural landscape and imposed order. This visual dichotomy underscores a broader philosophical debate about humanity's interaction with its environment. Through its meticulously structured design, this etching functions as both a record and an interpretation of spatial control during a period of conflict.