Kindled by Catastrophe

Fire disasters were a major threat to eighteenth-century villages and towns. Following such conflagrations, writers, artists, publishers eager represent the disaster in great detail. Printed poems pamphlets did not only describe flames’ destruction, but also put emphasis on solidarity during after catastrophe. The risks of looting social disorder acknowledged by authors, received little attention overall. Instead, poets writers focused acts care charity four phases fire management: firefighting, immediate relief, collecting for reconstruction, remembrance. While first two characterised local regional solidarity, latter could encompass – imagination authors whole Dutch nation. Writers appealed faith nationhood convince people make charitable donations. Afterwards, they celebrated remembered generosity various communities. This article concludes that appropriated destroyed lives buildings construct identities solidarity.