Begrafenis van Cremer verstoord door een stier, 1826 1868 - 1870

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created "Begrafenis van Cremer verstoord door een stier" in 1826, an etching that captures a chaotic scene. At first glance, it’s just that: a bull disrupting a funeral. But let's dig deeper. The early 19th century in the Netherlands was a time of political and social upheaval, with the Napoleonic era casting a long shadow. Consider the stark class divisions portrayed here. The elite observe from the safety of a building while the working class scatters before the charging bull. Is Last making a statement about societal fragility? About how easily order can descend into chaos? The bull itself could be interpreted as a symbol of untamed forces, challenging the decorum and solemnity of the funeral. What does it mean when an animal, unbound by social norms, disrupts a carefully orchestrated event? Perhaps Last is inviting us to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life and the ways in which our carefully constructed rituals can be upended in an instant.