Zaal van de Amsterdamse Schouwburg bij het uitbreken van de brand, 1772 1772

Cornelis Bogerts created this print in 1772, illustrating the dramatic scene of the fire erupting at the Amsterdam Theatre. The print captures the chaos and panic as audience members scramble to escape the blaze. The Amsterdam Theatre was more than just a place for entertainment; it was a social institution that reflected the values and hierarchies of 18th-century Dutch society. This was a time of strict social codes and expectations, where class distinctions were visibly present even in leisure spaces. The arrangement of seating within the theater itself mirrored the social order, with the upper classes occupying the best seats and the lower classes relegated to less desirable spots. The expressions and body language of the figures in the print convey a range of emotions, fear, desperation, and perhaps even a sense of helplessness in the face of impending disaster. The print serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the shared human experience of facing adversity.