The Rapenburg in Leiden by Carel Lodewijk Hansen

The Rapenburg in Leiden 1807

architectural sketch

steam punk

fantasy concept art

abandoned

street view

urban cityscape

derelict

underpainting

watercolor

environment sketch

"The Rapenburg in Leiden" (1807) by Carel Lodewijk Hansen depicts the aftermath of a fire in the Dutch city of Leiden. The painting, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the devastation with a realistic, almost documentary-like approach, showcasing the damaged buildings and the city's inhabitants gathered in the streets. Hansen’s depiction of the event provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Leiden during a time of hardship, highlighting the scale of the disaster while also emphasizing the resilience and communal spirit of the city.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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On 12 January 1807 a ship laden with 37,000 tons of gunpowder exploded in the centre of Leiden. It was a national disaster: 150 people died and many houses were destroyed. King Louis Napoleon, shown at left among Leiden city officials, acted like a true father to his subjects. Three days after the explosion, he visited the scene and organized financial help. This made him very popular with the Dutch.