Zie kind'ren! in deez' prent / hoe door een felle brand / Een kerkgebouw vernield / doch weder is tot stand. / Voorstellende vier afdelingen 1842 - 1866

This print, whose full title translates to "The children! in this print / how through a fierce fire / A church building is destroyed / but has been restored," was created in Amsterdam by the widow C. Kok-van Kolm. The print commemorates significant fires and subsequent rebuildings of various churches. Each scene encapsulates narratives of destruction and renewal, mirroring the trials and resilience of religious communities. Produced by a woman, the print offers a unique perspective on historical events, reflecting perhaps, the artist’s own experiences of loss and recovery. Consider the emotional weight of the image: a testament to faith tested by adversity, and a society grappling with disasters. The choice to depict these events through the lens of architectural transformation speaks to the enduring significance of these religious spaces. The artist seems to suggest not just the physical rebuilding, but the restoration of community bonds and spiritual fortitude.