Conflagration at Night 1762 - 1769

Johann Georg Trautmann created "Conflagration at Night," an oil on copper painting, in the 18th century. It portrays a town engulfed in flames, a dramatic scene that reflects the turbulent times of the artist, living in an era marked by frequent wars and urban fires. The painting captures the chaos and vulnerability of communities facing destruction. Figures flee, their faces illuminated by the firelight, revealing a spectrum of emotions from terror to despair. Trautmann's choice to depict such a scene speaks to the anxieties and realities of his time, where the threat of fire was ever-present, particularly devastating for the poor, whose homes were often made of highly flammable materials. The burning church symbolizes not only physical destruction but also the potential loss of spiritual guidance and community cohesion. As you reflect on this painting, consider how it speaks to our contemporary concerns about community, safety, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster.