Ruïnes na de buskruitramp, 1807 1807

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman created this print titled 'Ruins after the Gunpowder Disaster' in 1807, now at the Rijksmuseum. Portman's print captures a moment of profound disruption in Leiden following the devastating explosion of a gunpowder ship. The scene reveals a society grappling with disaster. We see the physical ruins and also glimpse the social fabric, shaken but not destroyed. Notice the figures in the foreground attempting to restore some order, while the posture of others suggests a state of shock. The disaster transcends class, affecting all members of the community. Yet, how might the disaster affect those already vulnerable in society? In the aftermath, one wonders about the narratives that emerge, who tells them, and whose stories are erased or amplified. Portman’s print serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and infrastructure, as well as the resilience of communities in the face of unexpected tragedy.