"Spinhuys", Nieuhoff, Johann

Uncommon view of the poorhouse or 'spinhouse' in Batavia, now Jakarta. The Spinhouse was a penal institution for women that held mostly beggars, orphans and prostitutes. They were taught to make fabrics so they might be 'reformed' and have a trade. This lively view shows new inmates on the left weeping as they head towards the house, while to the right it seems some of the inmates are still keeping their old profession. A group of inmates are seen on the quay washing linen, while the busy river teems with boats.

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Condition: B+

Sharp impression. There are just a couple small spots of foxing in the image. There is some marginal weakness and fraying that has been reinforced with archival tissue on the verso.