Plattegrond van Brielle 1743

This is a 1743 anonymous ground plan of Brielle, near Amsterdam. Note the prominent star fort, a motif we see echoed across Europe. The star fort, with its radiating bastions, is more than mere architecture; it's a symbol of power, defence and control. We see it mirrored in Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of fortified cities, and even in the geometric layouts of Renaissance gardens. Here, the fort's precise angles and calculated symmetry speak to an age obsessed with order, reason, and the conquest of space. The fort's shape, with its recurring points, bears an uncanny resemblance to a star—an ancient symbol of guidance and destiny, yet here, transformed into an instrument of earthly power. This shift reflects a deeper psychological current: the human drive to impose control and order on a chaotic world. This symbol will continue to resurface, evolving in meaning, a testament to our enduring quest for control, be it of land, or of our own destinies.