Brand te Hilversum, 1766 1766

This etching, titled "Brand te Hilversum," was created in 1766 by an anonymous artist, immortalizing a devastating fire in the Dutch town of Hilversum. The print offers us a glimpse into the 18th century, revealing not only the visual spectacle of the fire but also the social dynamics of the time. The detailed rendering of the townspeople, caught in the midst of the disaster, speaks volumes about community resilience and vulnerability. As the fire rages around the church—a central figure, the town becomes a stage where the drama of survival unfolds. The gendered division of labor is evident, women and children stand to the side whilst men operate the water pump. The town becomes a stage where the drama of survival unfolds. We're invited to reflect on our own responses to crisis, and to consider the ways in which community, labor and faith intersect in times of upheaval.