Ruïne van de kathedraal van Lissabon, 1755 1758 - 1760

This etching, made in 1755 by an anonymous artist, captures the Ruins of Lisbon's Cathedral following the earthquake and fire. The depiction of devastation is not merely architectural; it reflects the profound social and emotional upheaval experienced by the city's inhabitants. The print invites us to consider the intersection of faith, power, and natural disaster. The destruction of a major religious building symbolizes a crisis of faith and questions the Church's authority in the face of such widespread suffering. Note that the earthquake occurred on All Saints' Day, a significant religious holiday. The depiction of survivors amidst the rubble suggests a society grappling with loss and the challenge of rebuilding, not just structures, but their lives and community. This image serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of human endeavors in the face of nature's force, and the resilience of the human spirit in the aftermath.