Oorlogsschade in Rotterdam Possibly 1940 - 1945

These photographs of 'Oorlogsschade in Rotterdam,' or War Damage in Rotterdam, were taken by an anonymous photographer during or shortly after the Second World War. Rotterdam was a thriving port city, a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange. Yet, in May 1940, the city endured a catastrophic bombing by the German Luftwaffe which aimed to break Dutch resistance, and resulted in the near complete destruction of the city center. The photographs capture more than physical ruin; they speak to the shattered lives and displaced identities of Rotterdam's residents. The anonymous nature of the photographer reflects a shared sense of collective trauma, it speaks of a desire to document the collective toll of war. These images invite contemplation on the intersection of war, identity, and resilience. They underscore the profound impact of conflict on both the physical and the psychological landscape of a city and its people.