Eeuwfeest van het weeshuis van de Waalse gemeente te Amsterdam 1772

Carel Frederik Konsé created this silver medal in 1771 to commemorate the centennial of the Walloon Orphanage in Amsterdam. The medal provides insight into the social structures and values of the 18th century, particularly concerning charity, community, and the role of religious institutions in providing social support. Orphanages offered a haven for children who had lost their parents, often due to disease, poverty, or social upheaval. The Walloon community, being a minority group of French-speaking Protestants in the Netherlands, relied heavily on these communal bonds. On one side, the orphanage building is depicted, symbolizing stability and order. The reverse shows a maternal figure surrounded by children, evoking themes of care and divine protection. The inscription "Votre Pere est aux cieux" translates to "Your Father is in Heaven," reflecting the religious underpinnings of the institution's mission. This medal is not just a commemorative token but also a statement about identity, care, and the endurance of a community dedicated to looking after its most vulnerable members.