Gezicht op het Oudemannenhuis 1760 - 1767

This print, whose artist is anonymous, depicts the Old Men's and Women's Home. In the Netherlands, charitable institutions like the one pictured here played a significant role in providing care for the elderly and vulnerable. The architecture of the building itself, with its symmetrical layout and imposing facade, speaks to the values of order, stability, and civic responsibility that were important in Dutch society. Looking closely, we see that the building is well-maintained. This would have conveyed a message of competence and reliability to the public. The print may have been commissioned by the institution itself or by local government, as part of an effort to promote the institution and garner support from the community. The image also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents, with figures visible in the courtyard and near the entrance. More research using sources like archival records, local histories, and genealogical databases could further illuminate our understanding of the social and institutional history that produced this image.