Zevende Algemeene Muzijkfeest der Maatschappij tot Bevordering der Toonkunst, te Arnhem, den 9, 10 en 11 Augustus 1860 1860

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print of the Seventh General Music Festival in Arnhem in August 1860. Here, the shields and banners that adorn the hall are visual assertions of identity and allegiance, not just to the society hosting the event but also to the broader cultural values it represents. Such displays are not unique to 19th-century music festivals. Consider the heraldic emblems in medieval tapestries or the flags carried in ancient Roman processions; they all serve to create a sense of collective identity and shared purpose. These symbols resonate with a deep-seated human need to belong and identify with something larger than oneself. The presence of these banners evokes a powerful emotional response, a sense of pride and unity. It is as if these symbols tap into a collective memory, reminding us of our shared cultural heritage. Their reappearance throughout history, albeit in different forms, reveals the cyclical nature of human expression and the enduring power of symbols to shape our perceptions and emotions.