Lijst van de huizen en gebouwen verloren gegaan bij de brand te Uithoorn, 1781 1781

Editor: Here we have "List of the Houses and Buildings Lost in the Fire at Uithoorn, 1781," created in 1781 by Arend Stubbe. It seems like a printed list, almost like a historical ledger of sorts. I’m struck by how stark and, dare I say, sad it is. All those names, neatly listed, represent so much loss. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Indeed. It's more than just a list; it's a lament, a town crier’s announcement etched in ink. It's beautiful in its own right because it's so haunting! Think about the paper – maybe it was even salvaged scraps? Imagine the textile imprint from its making; a tangible link to the artisan and to the fire! How incredible. For me, it also acts like a stage, framing humanity under a historical tragedy. A little piece of human frailty – literally. It’s like history is screaming “Remember!” through that slightly faded typography. And the folk art element reminds us who these people really were. Did you see all of those tiny family crests?! Almost feels defiant, in the face of total disaster. Editor: That's so interesting! I hadn't really considered it in terms of defiance, more like resignation. But I see what you mean, this painstaking record does seem like a way of saying "we were here." Curator: Precisely! Look how calligraphy helps set a somber tone too! It is history painting with text, rather than the usual grand gestures and dramatic scenery we think of. What does that evoke, if not this defiance you speak of. This humble document sings its own opera. It feels very intimate and reflective to me; almost spiritual if I’m really being honest. Editor: Wow. I hadn’t really considered that intimate side. I guess seeing all of the names makes the loss so real. The opera of the everyman. That makes total sense. Curator: It humbles and awakens the echoes. And this beautiful relic… will remind us again… someday.