Gezicht op het Diaconie Oude Vrouwenhuis in Amsterdam 1693

This print of the Diaconie Oude Vrouwenhuis in Amsterdam was made by an anonymous artist using etching techniques. The image is created by drawing through a wax-covered metal plate with a sharp needle, and then bathing it in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The image is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, it depicts a building dedicated to charity, a place of refuge for elderly women. Yet, the factory chimneys loom in the background, suggesting the relentless pace of industrial production that was transforming Amsterdam. The intricate line work, achieved through the meticulous process of etching, speaks to the labor involved in creating the image itself. The bustling waterways, filled with boats and people, highlight the city's dependence on trade and commerce. The print is a reminder that even acts of charity are intertwined with the wider social and economic forces of the time. By considering the materials and processes used to create this image, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.