Fire in the City – Palace in the Fire
1659
oil
panel
From the collection of National Museum in Kraków
1659
oil
panel
From the collection of National Museum in Kraków
Fire in the City – Palace in the Fire is a 1659 oil by Egbert van der Poel, a Dutch Golden Age work, held at National Museum in Kraków.
This painting depicts a chaotic scene of a city on fire, with flames engulfing a palace. The dark sky is filled with smoke, and people are scrambling to escape the inferno. In the foreground, a group of individuals are gathered, some of whom appear to be trying to put out the fire or rescue others. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic contrast between light and dark, drawing the viewer's attention to the intense flames and the desperate actions of the people. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow adds depth and emotion to the scene, making it feel more dynamic and engaging. To learn more about the artist's technique, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.
Egbert van der Poel (1621–1664) was an artist, born in Delft.
See the richer artist page
