Aardbeving te Lissabon, 1755 1755 - 1812

Reinier Vinkeles created this print of the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 using etching and burin. Lisbon, a wealthy port city and the capital of Portugal, was struck by a massive earthquake on All Saints' Day, followed by a tsunami and fire, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. Vinkeles, who was Dutch, never saw the earthquake, but it shook the foundations of Europe, both literally and figuratively. The disaster challenged Enlightenment ideals and sparked debates about divine providence and human vulnerability. In this print, we see not only the physical destruction but also the human drama, the small boats carrying survivors away from the burning city. The detailed rendering of the chaotic sea and sky evokes the terror and helplessness felt by those caught in the disaster. As you stand here, consider the emotional weight of witnessing such destruction. Vinkeles captures a pivotal moment in European history, reminding us of the fragility of human existence in the face of natural forces.