Gezicht op de Grote Kerk te Breda, voor en na de brand van 1694 1743 - 1744

B.F. Immink created this print of the Grote Kerk in Breda to show its condition both before and after the devastating fire of 1694. The image serves as a historical record, but it also hints at the complex relationship between destruction, resilience, and collective memory. Notice how the print is divided, contrasting the pre-fire grandeur of the church with its damaged state afterward. The artist draws attention to both the physical and symbolic impact of the fire. Catastrophes such as these often expose the vulnerabilities of a community, prompting reflection on what is valued and what needs to be protected. The image suggests the importance of the church to the people of Breda. The print invites us to reflect on the cycles of destruction and renewal that shape not only buildings but also societies. Disasters can lead to the reevaluation of cultural heritage and the reaffirmation of identity in the face of adversity.