Gezicht op de binnenplaats van het Oudemannenhuis te Amsterdam c. 1695 - 1700

This undated print by an anonymous artist gives us a view of the courtyard of the Old Men's House in Amsterdam. Constructed around 1550 and expanded in 1604, the building served as a home for elderly men. At first glance, the print offers a seemingly straightforward depiction of institutional life, however it’s important to consider the complex social structures that underpin such a place. Who were these men, and what circumstances led them to seek refuge here? The image offers an entry point to consider the intersections of age, class, and masculinity in 17th-century Dutch society. By looking at the architecture and carefully arranged gardens, you can get a sense of both the order and the constraints imposed upon its residents. This is not just a building but a site of lived experiences, reflecting societal attitudes towards aging and dependency.