Vierde plaat van de watersnood na dijkdoorbraken bij de grote rivieren, 1740-1741 1741

This 1741 etching by Jan (II) Smit titled "Vierde plaat van de watersnood na dijkdoorbraken bij de grote rivieren, 1740-1741" depicts the aftermath of devastating floods in the Netherlands in 1740 and 1741. The artwork shows a detailed map of the affected region with specific locations and points of interest labelled in Dutch. In the foreground, a scene of reconstruction unfolds, with men working on a water pump, highlighting the ongoing efforts to recover from the disaster. The Rijksmuseum houses this important historical piece, offering a glimpse into the impact of natural disasters and the resilience of the Dutch people.