Gezicht op Luzern, 1726 1726

This anonymous 1726 engraving presents a bird's-eye view of Lucerne, dominated by architectural symbols: towers, bridges, and fortifications. These aren't just structural elements; they're potent symbols of power, security, and civic pride. Consider the towers. Throughout history, towers have been ever-present, from the Tower of Babel to medieval keeps, embodying humanity's ambition and reach towards the heavens. The bridge, too, is a recurring motif, a liminal space connecting disparate realms – a symbol of transition and communication. The fortifications—the walls—speak to a primal human desire for protection against the unknown. We find echoes of these protective barriers in ancient city walls and modern gated communities. This deeply ingrained need for safety taps into our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with vulnerability and resilience. Even in our modern, ostensibly borderless world, these symbols persist, albeit transformed. Skyscrapers now serve as modern-day towers, and virtual networks act as bridges, connecting us in ways our ancestors could scarcely imagine. These persistent symbols engage with our subconscious, reminding us of our shared history and the enduring human quest for understanding and security.