The Rapenburg, Leiden, three Days after the Explosion of a Powder Ship on 12 January 1807 Possibly 1807

Johannes Jelgerhuis painted this scene of the Rapenburg in Leiden three days after a devastating explosion in 1807. The scene is dominated by destruction, yet amidst the chaos, we see figures carrying the wounded, a powerful, almost timeless symbol of human resilience. Consider the image of the 'good samaritan' as it appears across cultures and time, from ancient Roman art depicting acts of mercy, to early Christian art showing the parable of the Good Samaritan. This image, embodying compassion, persists across time and cultures. The act of carrying the wounded taps into our collective memory of human suffering and empathy. This scene resonates with images of war and disaster throughout history, constantly reminding us of the cyclical nature of destruction and recovery. The emotional impact of this painting lies in its ability to evoke empathy and connect us to a shared human experience that transcends time.