Vestingplattegrond van Sas van Gent 1696 - 1705

This is an anonymous plan of Sas van Gent, rendered with ink on paper. The plan, with its rhythmic interplay of lines and geometric forms, presents a compelling visual structure. Concentric, angular shapes delineate the fortifications, suggesting a deliberate, ordered approach to defense. The stark contrast between the intricate inner details and the relatively sparse outer areas creates a visual tension. The ordered lines speak to the Enlightenment’s impulse to rationalize and control space. Yet, the act of mapping itself engages with semiotics, translating geographical reality into a coded system of lines and symbols. This abstraction reflects a broader philosophical preoccupation with representation. Consider how the act of mapping involves a negotiation between empirical observation and symbolic encoding. The rigorous lines impose a sense of order onto the landscape, subtly influencing our perception. The map becomes a site where power, knowledge, and representation intersect.