Meisje met de zwavelstokjes 1842 - 1887

"Meisje met de zwavelstokjes" (Girl with Matches) is a black and white lithograph by Carel Christiaan Antony Last, created between 1842 and 1887. The artwork depicts a young girl, likely homeless, sitting on a snowy street, with a basket of matches at her feet. The scene is somber and evokes pity for the child. This piece is typical of Last's style, which focused on realistic depictions of everyday life, particularly the plight of the poor. Now in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, "Meisje met de zwavelstokjes" is a powerful reminder of the harsh realities faced by children in the 19th century.