Plattegrond van Dresden 1758

This city plan of Dresden, made by an anonymous artist, presents a bird's eye view of the city bisected by the river Elbe. The most striking feature is the elaborate system of fortifications, forming a star-shaped pattern around the city center on the right bank. This motif, born out of the necessity for defense, transcends its utilitarian origins. We see similar star-shaped fortresses in maps and architectural plans across Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Consider the star fort at Palmanova in Italy, whose geometric perfection mirrors Dresden’s defenses. This form speaks to humanity’s complex relationship with security and control. In a psychoanalytic sense, these fortifications are not merely physical barriers; they are projections of a collective desire for order and protection against the perceived chaos of the outside world. The visual impact of these geometric forms can evoke a sense of stability but also of confinement, reflecting the dual nature of security. Thus, the star fort becomes a potent symbol, its shape echoing through history, embodying both the promise of safety and the specter of restriction.