Tentoonstelling der prijsvoorwerpen voor de algemeene verloting ten behoeve der noodlijdenden door den watersnood in de Gothische Zaal van het Paleis van Z.K.H. de Prins van Oranje te 's Gravenhage. Bezoek der Koninklijke Familie op Dingsdag den 16 April 1861 1861

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print in 1861, depicting an exhibition in The Hague. It showcases items for a lottery aimed at aiding those affected by floods. The printmaking process itself, likely involving etching or engraving, is crucial to understanding the work. These methods allowed for the detailed rendering of the Gothic hall, filled with artworks and visitors. Printmaking democratized images, making them accessible beyond the elite. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through careful manipulation of the printing plate, emphasizes the grandeur of the space and the multitude of objects on display. This reflects a society grappling with industrial advancements, where print media played a significant role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. The act of creating and distributing this print was a form of labor, contributing to a larger social effort. By focusing on the material and its production, we see this image not just as a depiction of an event, but as an object embedded in the social and economic fabric of its time.