Plattegrond van Barcelona 1694 - 1737

Pieter van den Berge created this map of Barcelona with ink around the turn of the 18th century, offering a bird's-eye view of the city’s layout, encircled by fortifications that bristle like the points of a star. The star motif is the dominant symbol here. This recurring shape echoes through history, from the Star of David to the pentagrams of ancient rituals, always representing a focal point of energy, a convergence of forces. Looking at this map, one cannot help but recall the architectural drawings of fortress cities by Renaissance artists. The star-shaped fortifications evoke a sense of protection and power, yet, paradoxically, also suggest vulnerability, as if the city is bracing itself against unseen threats. This tension is palpable, engaging us on a primal level. It speaks to our collective memories of sieges, of walled cities under duress, resonating with subconscious fears and hopes. Notice how this symbol resurfaces time and again, each time adapted, reformed, yet still carrying the echoes of its past.