Ruïne van de kathedraal van Lissabon, 1755 1758 - 1760

This anonymous etching, "Ruïne van de kathedraal van Lissabon, 1755" (1758-1760), depicts the ruins of Lisbon's cathedral following the devastating earthquake and fire of 1755. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, uses stark lines and shadows to convey the destructive power of nature. The shattered buildings and figures in the foreground emphasize the scale of the tragedy, reminding viewers of the vulnerability of human structures and the unpredictable nature of the natural world.