Ruïnes op het Steenschuur (noordzijde) na de Leidse buskruitramp, 1807 1807

Leendert Overbeek created this print of the ruins at Steenschuur, in Leiden, after the explosion of a gunpowder ship in 1807. The tragedy occurred during a time of political upheaval, with the Netherlands under French rule, impacting all levels of society. Overbeek’s print captures the devastation, but also the resilience of the community as people sift through the wreckage. What does it mean to rebuild after unimaginable loss? The print serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and disaster. It reflects on the collective trauma experienced by the residents of Leiden, but also speaks to themes of human agency, perseverance, and the restoration of social order, as well as the emotional and physical labor involved in the process of recovery. As you reflect on this scene, consider the ways in which Overbeek's print invites us to confront difficult moments in history. How do we, as a society, recover and rebuild in the aftermath of tragedy?