Allegorie op Leidens ramp, 1807 1807 - 1812

Noach van der Meer created this etching, ‘Allegory on the Leiden Disaster,’ around 1807. Here, an all-seeing eye shines down, bearing witness to the destruction. The eye, a symbol of divine omniscience, has roots stretching back to ancient Egypt and the Eye of Horus, representing protection and royal power. Later, it appears in Christian iconography as a symbol of the Holy Trinity, watching over humanity. Even today, we see echoes of this symbol – consider its presence on the United States’ one-dollar bill, signifying providence. The image evokes feelings of anxiety and hope. The devastation is palpable, yet the all-seeing eye suggests a higher power at work, a watchful presence. It’s a potent blend of despair and reassurance, reflecting our shared, subconscious search for meaning in times of crisis. This symbol, like so many, reflects a cyclical journey, constantly reappearing, reformed by history and memory.