Bloedbad voor de muren van een brandende stad 1742

"Bloedbad voor de muren van een brandende stad" (Massacre before the Walls of a Burning City) is an etching created in 1742 by the Dutch artist Martin Speer (1702-1765). This print, held in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a chaotic scene of carnage and destruction, with bodies strewn across the ground in front of a burning city. The smoke billowing from the fire fills the sky above, creating a dark and oppressive atmosphere. This artwork showcases the detailed and dramatic style of etching popular during the 18th century, and the emotional impact of the scene suggests a theme of war or disaster.