Brennende Oeltanks 1940 - 1941

This is a collection of photographs titled 'Brennende Oeltanks,' or 'Burning Oil Tanks,' now held at the Rijksmuseum. The dominant symbol here is fire, an ancient motif representing both destruction and purification. Throughout history, fire has been associated with power, passion, and transformation. Think of the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods for humanity, or the biblical image of the burning bush, symbolizing divine presence. The roaring blaze in these photographs connects us to a long lineage of fiery iconography, tapping into our collective memory of its primal force. Fire's duality is ever-present; its destructive capacity is on full display here, and the emotional impact is one of awe and dread. The recurrence of the motif reminds us of the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal, a constant interplay throughout human history.