Gezicht op het tweede gesticht in de kolonie Veenhuizen 1827

Alexandre Joseph Boens created this print of the Second Institution in the Veenhuizen Colony. Founded in the early 19th century, Veenhuizen was part of the Society of Benevolence, aiming to 're-educate' the poor, vagrants, and orphans into productive citizens through agriculture and discipline. In this seemingly tranquil scene, we confront the complex interplay of poverty, social control, and the era's utopian ideals. The print invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in these institutions, and the narratives they perpetuate about those on the margins of society. Consider the implications of 'benevolence' when it comes with the cost of freedom and autonomy. Boens’s print serves not only as a historical document, but also as a mirror reflecting societal attitudes towards poverty and social reform. It encourages us to consider the human stories behind these institutions, and the emotional impact on those who lived within them.