Gezicht op het Aalmoezeniersweeshuis te Amsterdam 1758

Jan Punt’s ‘View of the Almshouse Orphanage in Amsterdam’ is an engraving that provides a glimpse into the social structures of the 18th century. During this time, orphanages weren't just places of refuge; they were institutions deeply entwined with societal norms about charity, class, and moral order. Punt’s choice to depict the orphanage with such meticulous detail suggests an effort to showcase the city's commitment to social welfare, but it also subtly reinforces the divide between the privileged and those dependent on public assistance. The orphanage itself, grand and imposing, stands in contrast to the implied vulnerability of its inhabitants. Images of cherubs and coats of arms at the top of the image frame the orphanage in a celestial light, perhaps intending to reassure viewers of the purity of intent and the benevolent paternalism of the city's elite. However, it is important to consider whose stories are not being told; what emotional landscapes are obscured by this careful composition?