Lutheraans weeshuis te Amsterdam 1788

This is Joseph-Alexandre Le Campion’s depiction of the Lutheran Orphanage in Amsterdam. The print offers us a glimpse into the social fabric of the late 18th century. Orphanages were not merely buildings; they were reflections of societal attitudes towards children, poverty, and community responsibility. This particular orphanage catered to children within the Lutheran community, highlighting the role of religious identity in shaping social welfare. Look at the figures in front of the building. Consider what their presence tells us about the visibility and integration of the orphanage within the city. What do their clothes tell us about the place of children in Dutch society at the time? How might the lives of the children within the orphanage have differed based on their gender, or their perceived abilities? In its depiction of care and community, Le Campion’s print invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving dynamics between society and its most vulnerable members.