Ruïnes van Bodegraven na de brand van 31 mei 1870 1850 - 1894

Piet Schipperus made this watercolor of the ruins of Bodegraven after the fire of May 31, 1870. Devastating fires were relatively common in the Netherlands in the 19th century, particularly in rural towns like Bodegraven. Schipperus’s image presents a vista of destruction. We see the skeletal remains of buildings, a landscape stripped bare. What does it mean to depict such scenes? This image can be considered within the context of 19th-century Dutch art. Artists began to turn their attention to scenes of everyday life, including its hardships. This was a period of significant social and economic change, and art began to reflect these shifts. Consider the role of the Rijksmuseum in preserving such images; it reflects a cultural interest in documenting and remembering events that shaped the nation. The meaning of art is contingent on its social context. Historians use resources like newspapers, personal letters, and municipal records to provide us with the tools to better understand these events.