In Amsterdamse weesmeisjes in een gang voor een stadsprofiel van Amsterdam, Nicolaas van der Waay presents a scene filled with soft colors and gentle light. The painting features several orphan girls dressed in period attire, standing in a corridor. Behind them, a detailed profile of Amsterdam's skyline can be seen, showcasing its iconic architecture.

The overall atmosphere is one of innocence and nostalgia, capturing a moment in the lives of these young girls. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium during the Dutch Golden Age. Van der Waay's technique includes smooth brushwork and a careful attention to detail, particularly in the girls' clothing and the architectural elements in the background. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged harmoniously against the backdrop of the city.

The use of light enhances the emotional tone of the piece, drawing the viewer's eye to the expressions of the girls. Nicolaas van der Waay was known for his depictions of children and social themes, often highlighting the lives of orphans in his work. This particular painting reflects the social issues of the time, as many children were left without families due to economic hardships. An interesting fact about this work is that it not only serves as a representation of the orphans but also as a historical document of Amsterdam's urban landscape in the late 19th century.