The Village on Fire

As flying coals ignite the few salvaged household goods, a young father braves smoke and flames to rescue his child. The entire village flees the fire's progress as families pray in the foreground. The family members’ interlocking gazes are the real focus of the composition. Considered almost too dramatic when it debuted in 1854, this painting earned great praise for its depiction of natural emotion. It was reproduced in mezzotint almost immediately, ensuring its fame.

Born in Königsberg in East Prussia, now Kaliningrad, Carl Wilhelm Hübner moved to Düsseldorf in 1839 to study at its art academy. He helped to found the Düsseldorf artists' association Malkasten in 1848, and enjoyed great popularity in the United States, where he traveled in 1874-75.