Twee gezichten op verwoestingen na de Slag bij Pyongyang before 1899

These two monochrome images, made by the Ordnance Survey Office, capture scenes of devastation following the Battle of Pyongyang. They offer a harrowing look into the physical and emotional landscapes left behind in the wake of conflict. Through their documentation, these images highlight the stark contrast between military strategy and civilian life, and are a pointed commentary on the consequences of war. What stories might the buildings tell, if they could talk? What of the people who once occupied them? The strategic importance of Pyongyang becomes evident, yet these images underscore the profound human cost often eclipsed by grand narratives of battle. They become a somber reflection on the cyclical nature of destruction. They push us to contemplate the relationship between national identity, militarization, and the individuals caught in the crossfire. These vistas are not just records of a moment but lasting reminders of the fragility of peace.