Brand in de lijnbanen op de schans aan de Smallepadsgracht, 1680 1690 - 1735

This print of a fire, made around 1680 by Jan van der Heyden, seems at first glance a straightforward depiction, yet it’s deeply rooted in the artist’s own innovations. Van der Heyden was not only a painter, but also an inventor who improved fire-fighting technology. He created detailed and realistic cityscape paintings, and here, he uses the printmaking medium to share his work with a wider audience. The print is made through etching and engraving, processes that allow for fine detail and tonal variation, crucial for capturing the drama of the fire and the bustling activity around it. The image is not just a portrayal of destruction; it’s a showcase of problem-solving. Notice the newly designed fire hoses and the organized response to the crisis. Van der Heyden's print is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of civic responsibility. It prompts us to consider how art can be both a reflection of and a catalyst for social progress.