Kaart van Midden-Nederland met de gebieden getroffen door watersnood in 1726 1726 - 1735

Balthasar Ruyter created this map of the areas of the Netherlands affected by flooding in 1726. Consider for a moment the intimate relationship the Dutch have had with water. The history of the Netherlands is deeply intertwined with the struggle to manage and control water. This map isn't just a geographical document, it is a stark reminder of a disaster that impacted the lives and livelihoods of countless people. Water is an integral part of Dutch identity; it is both a life-giving resource and a constant threat. This duality has shaped the Dutch culture and their engineering prowess. The emotional impact of such a disaster is palpable when viewing the flooded areas marked on the map. As we consider this map, it provides a lens through which we can view the intersection of environment, identity, and resilience in the face of nature's power.