Gedicht op de zonsverduistering van 1820 1820

This broadside describes the solar eclipse of 1820, within Amsterdam, on Thursday, September 7. The poem by H. Heij grapples with the sublime and awesome power of nature. The text reveals the deep integration of religious belief with scientific observation in the 19th century, as the eclipse is framed as a divine event orchestrated by Jehovah. The eclipse is described in sensual terms, such as the moon approaching the sun, which creates a sense of wonder and awe. Heij notes how darkness suddenly envelops the city, yet the stars become visible, highlighting the eclipse's transformative impact on the natural order. The poem then connects the eclipse to broader themes of creation, referencing the "Schepping's werk Iehova" which can be translated to "Jehovah’s Creation work". Heij’s poem captures a moment of intense feeling. The poem serves to remind us of our place within the cosmos.