Lodewijk Napoleon op de plaats van de ramp, 1807 1807 - 1808

This 1807-1808 engraving by Reinier Vinkeles depicts Lodewijk Napoleon, King of Holland, surveying the aftermath of a devastating fire in The Hague. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the scene with stark realism, showcasing the destruction and the somber figures amidst the smoke-filled sky. The composition evokes a sense of tragedy and emphasizes the King's presence as a symbol of authority amidst the chaos. Vinkeles' detailed depiction of the event serves as a historical record and a testament to the artist's skill in capturing a pivotal moment in Dutch history.