Gezicht op het Walenweeshuis aan de Vijzelgracht te Amsterdam 1726

This anonymous etching from 1726 depicts a view of the Walenweeshuis, a former orphanage for children of Walloon descent, located on the Vijzelgracht canal in Amsterdam. The building is shown in detail, with a bridge leading up to its entrance. The canal, lined with trees and featuring a small boat, reflects the clear sky above. This detailed depiction of the orphanage, known as the "Waale Wees" in the title, provides a glimpse into the cityscape of 18th-century Amsterdam, highlighting the architectural and urban characteristics of the time. The small size of the print, measuring 127mm by 159mm, suggests it may have been intended for private viewing or as a part of a collection. This print from the Rijksmuseum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Amsterdam and its social structures.