Front View of Buitenzorg Palace during the Earthquake of 10 October 1834 1834 - 1836

Willem Troost painted this image of the Front View of Buitenzorg Palace during the Earthquake of 10 October 1834, with oil on canvas. What strikes the eye is not just the ruined palace, but the figures fleeing in terror, and the deer, seemingly undisturbed. The image of people running from destruction is a powerful one, echoing through time. Think of the terrified figures in Renaissance depictions of the apocalypse. The emotional intensity conveyed by their flight taps into our collective memory of catastrophe. The earthquake, a symbol of unpredictable and destructive forces, has been seen across cultures and epochs as divine wrath, or nature's fury. Yet, the serene presence of the deer grazing in the foreground presents an intriguing juxtaposition. Deer often symbolize peace and renewal. Here, they stand as silent witnesses, perhaps suggesting that even amidst chaos, life finds a way to persist. This interplay of destruction and tranquility engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence. The image of people in flight persists, taking on new forms, mirroring our deepest fears and hopes across generations.