Afbranden van 's Lands zeemagazijn te Vlissingen, 1809 1809

This 1809 print by Friedrich Christoph Dietrich depicts the burning of the Dutch naval arsenal in Vlissingen. The black-and-white scene shows the arsenal ablaze, with smoke billowing into the night sky. In the foreground, onlookers watch as flames engulf the building, while debris floats in the water below. The print provides a detailed visual record of this historical event, which was a significant loss for the Dutch navy. It is a powerful testament to the destructive power of fire, and a reminder of the fragility of human constructions. The print, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the past, allowing us to understand and appreciate the historical context of this significant event.