Gezicht op het Aalmoezeniersweeshuis te Amsterdam c. 1695 - 1700

This engraving shows the Aalmoezeniers Orphanage in Amsterdam, in 1666. The orphanage, a large, symmetrical building, dominates the scene. It suggests the values of order and charity in Dutch society. Made during the Dutch Golden Age, the image is an interesting document of the era's social and institutional history. The orphanage itself reflects the importance of civic responsibility and care for the less fortunate. The location on the canal suggests Amsterdam's economic reliance on waterways, while the figures engaged in commerce and leisure activities along the bank offer a glimpse into daily life. The inscription ‘that receives, absolves, and perfects’ proposes that the institution aimed to offer more than just basic needs. To fully understand this engraving, we might investigate the records of the orphanage, along with period maps and economic data. The image is just the starting point; the real insights lie in the rich historical context.