Groep drinkende personen uitgedost voor carnaval 1852 - 1890

Willem Linnig the Younger created this etching, "Group of people drinking dressed up for carnival," in the late 19th century. Carnival, as a festival, has long been a time of social upheaval, where societal norms are inverted. Linnig’s etching offers a glimpse into the boisterous energy of carnival celebrations. The scene is set with a group of figures who are indulging in the spirit of the festival. What can we say about these figures, their class, their occupations? Do they come from the class of merchants and tradesmen in the urban centers? The artist’s choice to depict this scene invites us to consider the role of revelry and how these moments of celebration are interwoven with the social fabric of the time. Linnig captures not just a moment of festivity, but also a reflection on the cultural and social dynamics that shape our experiences of community and identity.