Gezicht op het Diaconie weeshuis in Den Haag 1860 - 1885

This stereoscopic photograph shows the Diaconie orphanage in The Hague, probably taken in the 1860s by Pieter Oosterhuis. The image speaks to a period of increasing social awareness and institutional reform in the Netherlands. Note how the orphanage, a building dedicated to the care of vulnerable children, is presented with architectural grandeur. The symmetrical composition and the reflections in the water create a sense of stability and order, visually reinforcing the institution's role in society. This aesthetic treatment contrasts with the likely realities of orphanage life, prompting us to consider the politics of representation. Was the image intended to celebrate philanthropy, or was it a form of social propaganda? To understand this image better, we might delve into the archives of the Diaconie, examining its history, funding, and the daily lives of its residents. Contextual research like this reveals the complex interplay between social ideals and lived experiences in the 19th century.