Zware brand van Hilversum, 25 juni 1766 Possibly 1766 - 1801

This detailed drawing, "Zware brand van Hilversum, 25 juni 1766," by Jacobus Buys, depicts the devastating fire that ravaged Hilversum, Netherlands, on June 25, 1766. The scene unfolds with a sense of urgency, showing panicked residents fleeing amidst billowing smoke and flames engulfing buildings. The composition focuses on a towering church, its steeple a grim reminder of the fire's destructive power. Buys's meticulous attention to detail, including the figures' expressions of fear and the chaotic scene of salvaged belongings, captures the raw intensity of the event. This artwork serves as a poignant historical record, reminding us of the resilience of communities in the face of disaster.