Vuur van God doodt mensen 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this print, “Vuur van God doodt mensen”, sometime between 1693 and 1733, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Picart was working during the Enlightenment, a period that saw a rise in scientific reasoning alongside persistent religious beliefs. The print depicts a scene of divine retribution, of God’s fire killing people. The central image, framed by ornate decorations, shows figures in distress amidst flames, while others look on, seemingly unaffected. This dramatic portrayal reflects the anxieties and moral lessons prevalent in the religious narratives of the time. But the very act of depicting such a scene also invites questions about power, justice, and the role of faith in society. Consider the emotional impact of this image on its contemporary viewers. Were they meant to feel fear, reverence, or perhaps even question the nature of divine power? Picart’s print serves as a lens through which we can examine the complex interplay between faith, reason, and the human condition during the Enlightenment.