Various artists: The fire in the Amsterdam Theater (1772)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Four prints made by various Dutch artists. In 1637 a theater was build in Amsterdam, designed by Jacob van Campen. It was located at the keizersgracht on number 384. The theater was redesigned in 1664 during which it was enlarged. On May 11, 1772 a large fire broke out in this theater. During the play 'The deserter' a stagehand made an error by trying to put out a small fire (a container with burning candle wax spilled over the floor - these containers were used to illuminate the stage). The fire spread to the stage decoration and curtains and was soon out of control. Panic spread amongst the public and the orchestra who struggle to find an exit. The fire brigade was unable to save the building and could only try to save the surrounding buildings. The theater was completely destroyed, eighteen people lost their lives - including the stage manager, a fireman and several high officials. The gate of the theater has survived, today the hotel The Dylan stands in the location of the old theater. The theater was rebuild at another location (Leidseplein). Various artists have made prints of the fire:

Top left: by Simon Fokke - the fire starts. During the change of the decor at half past nine a stagehand mismanages a small fire which spreads to the decor.

Top right: by Cornelis Bogerts - quarter to nine, the fire spreads. The fire spreads from the decor to the curtains of which a pat already comes crashing down

Bottom left: by Cornelis Bogerts - the people try to flee in panic but find that several doors were closed

Bottom right: by Noach van der Meer (II) - nine o'clock, the fire is out of control and spreads to the surrounding buildings. The fire was so intense that it could be seen from other towns.

Prints from 1772.