Views of the Netherlands & Belgium · 19th century
€ 770
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Watercolor on paper. The drawing is mounted on another paper.. Some creases abd spots due to age and or handling. Study the image carefully.
'T Dorp Oosterhout verwoest door den Watervloed in 1820
(The Village of Oosterhout destroyed by the Flood in 1820)
The watercolor drawing provides a vivid portrayal of a disastrous flood in the village of Oosterhout in Holland, which occurred in 1820. The image captures a moment of devastation and panic, with the village partially submerged in water. Buildings are damaged and in disarray; some have collapsed, their roofs caved in, and walls crumbled, reflecting the destructive power of the flood.
In the foreground, desperate inhabitants and animals are struggling amidst the debris and floating remnants of their homes. There are people clinging to broken structures, trying to save themselves and others, while a few unfortunate victims are depicted being swept away by the strong currents.
The church, standing tall in the background, serves as a stark contrast to the surrounding destruction and may symbolize hope or refuge amidst chaos. The muted colors, predominantly grays and blues, underscore the somber atmosphere of the catastrophe. Dark clouds loom overhead, suggesting the relentless nature of the storm that caused the flooding.
The artwork is rendered with a degree of realism that conveys the emotional impact of the flood on the village. It also serves as a historical document, capturing the tragic event that befell Oosterhout in 1820, highlighting the vulnerability of human settlements in the face of natural disasters. The detail in the drawing, from the expressions of the people to the textures of the water and the architecture, adds depth and a poignant realism to the scene.
More details about the flood:
During the flood of 1820, large parts of the Alblasserwaard in Holland were flooded after a number of dike breaches on January 23. The lock between the Linge and the Steenenhoek Canal in Gorinchem also collapsed on January 26 during this disaster. An area the size of 130,000 morgen, that is approximately 1300 km², was flooded. The Alblasserwaard region covers a total of 250 km².
It took weeks before all residents could be rescued. After January 31, the water started to recede and repairs were possible. At Alblasserdam a hole was made in the dike to allow water to drain. It was closed again on February 21 and ten days later the breakthrough at Langerak and the three holes near Gorinchem were also closed. At the end of February, late frost turned the Alblasserwaard into a large ice plain.
Because the water rose relatively slowly in the polder, few people drowned. The only documented case concerns eleven-year-old Stijntje de Kluiver from Brandwijk. According to the death certificate, she died on February 1 in the afternoon at 4 p.m. because she fell from the attic into the flood and drowned.
The flood of 1820 was especially disastrous because of the long period before the area dried up again. As a result, the country suffered terribly, the farmers did not have to think about harvests that year.
The artist and exact year of production is unkown. Given the style of the watercolor, the fashion depicted, and the year 1820 mentioned in the caption, the artwork is likely from the early 19th century, making it around 200 years old. The quality of the watercolor suggests it has been protected from light and environmental damage that could cause fading or deterioration.
