Opschudding in de Oude Lutherse Kerk te Amsterdam tijdens de aardbeving op 18 februari 1756 1756 - 1757

Simon Fokke created this etching, "Disturbance in the Old Lutheran Church in Amsterdam during the earthquake on February 18, 1756," capturing a moment of collective anxiety. In 1756, an earthquake shook Europe, and though Amsterdam wasn't at the epicenter, the tremors sparked widespread panic. Fokke's print freezes this unease, depicting churchgoers in disarray, their composure shattered by the unexpected jolt. It’s fascinating how a natural event can lay bare the social order; note how the wealthy and the poor react similarly, fear being the great leveler. Fokke’s choice to immortalize this event speaks to the intersection of faith, fear, and societal structure. The image serves as a reminder of our shared vulnerability, regardless of social standing, when confronted by the unpredictable forces of nature. The engraving offers a glimpse into a society grappling with its place in the world, challenged by forces beyond human control.