Gezicht op het station in Arnhem 1827 - 1873

Hendrik Wilhelmus Last created this lithograph, titled "View of the Station in Arnhem," in the 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and changing social structures. Here, the train station symbolizes progress and connectivity. However, let’s consider the figures populating the scene: the well-dressed passengers alighting from carriages, juxtaposed with the laborers handling luggage. These quiet details speak volumes about the social stratification of the time, and the varied experiences of mobility depending on one’s class. Consider how gender also plays a role, with women often depicted in more passive roles, while men are actively engaged in commerce and travel. As you observe this print, think about how Last's representation of the station and its surroundings invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between progress, social equity, and individual experience.