Gezicht op de kerk en markt en gezicht op het weeshuis te Purmerend. 1786 - 1792

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print, "View of the Church and Market and View of the Orphanage in Purmerend," to offer a glimpse into the societal structures of the 18th century Netherlands. During the 1700s, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power with a complex class system. This print depicts the church and orphanage, each symbolizing different facets of community life. The church was not only a place of worship, but also a focal point for social gatherings. Juxtapose this with the orphanage, an institution created to care for the most vulnerable members of society. Bendorp’s choice to feature these two places together encourages us to reflect on how society provides for its citizens, both spiritually and materially. It provokes questions about who has access to these resources and how power dynamics shape these social landscapes. While seemingly simple, this print offers a rich commentary on the values and structures of its time.