Ruïnes na de brand in de Pottebakkerssteeg te Rotterdam, 1779 1779

Robbert Muys created this etching titled *Ruins after the fire in the Pottebakkerssteeg in Rotterdam* in 1779. It depicts the aftermath of a devastating fire in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as seen from the Scheepmakershaven. In 18th-century Europe, prints like these served an important public role. Before photography, they were a primary means of disseminating visual information about current events. Muys's print highlights not only the physical destruction but also the social impact of the fire. The detailed depiction of the ruins, the ships in the harbor, and the people gathered along the waterfront, invites reflection on the vulnerability of urban life and the resilience of the community. To fully appreciate this artwork, it's essential to consider the economic and urban development of Rotterdam at the time. Prints and other archival sources can tell us much about the rebuilding efforts and the impact of disasters on this maritime hub. The image serves as a reminder of art’s capacity to document and comment on the social structures of its time.