Ruïnes in de Magdalenasteenweg te Brussel, 1695 1695

Richard van Orley created this print, titled "Ruins in the Magdalenasteenweg in Brussels," in 1695 using etching techniques. It captures the aftermath of the bombardment of Brussels during the Nine Years' War. The devastation caused by the war impacted every level of society. Van Orley's work transcends mere documentation, instead focusing on the lives of the common people amidst the ruins. Consider the laborers and bystanders depicted here, who find themselves at the intersection of survival and rebuilding, their lives upended by forces beyond their control. This artwork doesn't glorify war; instead, it confronts us with its stark reality. It compels us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of conflict, prompting reflections on resilience, identity, and the human spirit's capacity to endure even in the face of utter destruction.