Gezicht op het instorten van de nieuwe toren van de Deutscher Dom te Berlijn op 28 juli 1781 1755 - 1779

This print by the Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie, shows the collapse of the tower of the Deutscher Dom in Berlin on July 28, 1781. It’s made with etching and colored by hand, a process that allowed for multiple impressions to be created and distributed widely. The etching technique allowed the artist to capture fine details, from the rubble and scaffolding surrounding the collapsing tower, to the reactions of the onlookers. The hand-coloring adds a layer of vibrancy, distinguishing the materials and textures, like the wood of the scaffolding or the stone of the church. Prints like these were important for documenting events and circulating news. This particular print captures a moment of public spectacle, with the collapse of the tower reflecting the physical labor involved in its construction and deconstruction. It speaks to the inherent risks and the social impact of large-scale building projects in urban spaces. Considering this print, the handmade and the mass-produced are not so far apart. The act of making itself is central to understanding its meaning.