Huizen in Sloterdijk, verwoest door brand 1859

Pieter Oosterhuis made this photograph of the fire-ravaged houses of Sloterdijk using the stereo photography technique. With its double image, stereo photography allowed viewers to experience a heightened sense of depth and realism. In the 19th century, this contributed to the public's understanding of the urban environment. In the Netherlands, at this time, the rapid urbanization and industrialization led to significant social and economic changes. It also gave rise to a new class of urban poor, often living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions, making them vulnerable to disasters such as fires. Photographs like this one, preserved in institutions like the Rijksmuseum, serve as valuable historical documents. They offer insights into the social and institutional contexts that shaped the lives of ordinary people. By consulting local archives, newspapers, and other primary sources, we can better understand the impact of events like the Sloterdijk fire on the community and the measures taken to address the aftermath.