Zware brand bij de Raampoort te Amsterdam aan de lijnbaan Het Speeljagt, 1761 Possibly 1761

Simon Fokke's 1761 drawing captures the Raampoort fire in Amsterdam. The towering windmill, usually a symbol of prosperity, is now dwarfed by flames, embodying destruction. Fire, a potent symbol, has coursed through human consciousness since antiquity. From the hearths of ancient civilizations to the infernos of war, its duality fascinates—creation and destruction, warmth and terror. Here, the fire recalls the burning of Troy, or the volcanic eruptions described in antiquity. Its uncontrollable nature mirrors humanity’s struggle against chaos. The collective memory of such disasters evokes primal fears and a sense of helplessness, compelling us to witness and remember. Even in its depiction, the psychological impact of the fire is undeniable, reminding us of our precarious existence, caught between progress and the ever-present threat of devastation. This image is a stark reminder that history, like fire, is ever-present, shaping our perceptions.