Ruïne van het huis van Lucas van Steveninck te Middelburg, 1787 1791

In 1787, Jan Bulthuis captured the Ruin of Lucas van Steveninck's house in Middelburg with pen and brush. The etching freezes a moment in time following the devastating fires of 1785, which dramatically reshaped the city's landscape and collective psyche. Bulthuis directs our gaze down a street where new, orderly buildings stand alongside the skeletal remains of fire-stricken homes. This juxtaposition isn't just about architectural contrasts; it reflects a society grappling with loss and the drive to rebuild. Note the figures in the foreground, their gestures and postures suggesting a narrative of discussion and observation, perhaps contemplating the city's future. The disaster was felt deeply, impacting personal lives and community structures. As you look at this scene, consider how Bulthuis uses the play of light and shadow to evoke a mood of somber reflection, inviting us to consider the emotional weight of urban change and the stories embedded in the stones of Middelburg.