Gezicht op de binnenplaats van het Lutherse Diaconie Weeshuis te Amsterdam c. 1770 - 1783

This print, made by Hermanus Petrus Schouten, shows the courtyard of the Lutheran Diaconal Orphanage in Amsterdam. It's executed as an engraving, a process that involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The material qualities of the print are critical here. The sharp, precise lines achieved through engraving give the image a crisp, almost architectural quality. This lends a sense of order and control to the scene, reflecting the values of the institution it depicts. The technique itself is labor-intensive, demanding a high level of skill and precision. Consider the social context: orphanages like this one were products of a society grappling with poverty and social inequality. The very act of creating this print suggests a desire to document, perhaps even celebrate, the charitable work being done. Yet, the controlled, almost sterile environment depicted also speaks to the regimented lives of the children within. The print becomes a complex document, revealing both the benevolent intentions and the underlying social structures of its time.