Mensen vluchten voor een brand te Ranst 1863

Henri François Schaefels made this print, titled "People Fleeing a Fire in Ranst," in Belgium. While undated, it reflects the artist’s broader interest in dramatic historical and genre scenes. Here, we witness a chaotic moment of displacement. Consider the social context. Nineteenth-century Belgium was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, but many still lived in vulnerable rural communities. Fires were a constant threat, especially in densely packed settlements with poor building standards. This image captures not just the physical danger of fire, but the social disruption it caused. People are shown carrying their possessions, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the uneven impact of such disasters. To fully understand this work, we can turn to local archives, newspapers, and community records, and consider the role of mutual aid societies in the absence of extensive state support. This print serves as a reminder of the social and economic fragility of the time.