Brand in de Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk op het Singel in Amsterdam, 18 september 1822 1822 - 1824

Gerard Overman made this print of the fire at the Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk in Amsterdam using etching and aquatint. These printmaking techniques, widely used in the 19th century, allowed for the reproduction of images on paper, making them accessible to a broad audience. The material qualities of the print—the texture of the paper, the delicate lines of the etching, and the soft gradations of tone achieved through aquatint—contribute to its documentary feel. Note how the print captures the dramatic scene with a range of tones, from the vibrant reds and oranges of the flames to the somber grays of the smoke-filled sky. Prints like these were often made in multiples, serving as a form of visual journalism. They could be rapidly produced and distributed, reflecting the increasing industrialization of image-making and its role in shaping public perception. The labor involved in creating such prints speaks to the intersection of artistic skill and commercial enterprise. We can appreciate Overman’s work as both a historical record and a product of its time, blurring the lines between art, craft, and mass production.