Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850 (plaat 4) 1850

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this drawing, Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, in 1850. It’s a parade scene, rendered with graphite or a similar material, with precise lines that capture the students on horseback and the festive atmosphere of the masquerade. The artist's skillful handling of the medium allows for a delicate interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and movement across the composition. The choice of drawing as the medium lends itself to the creation of detailed studies and preparatory sketches. It's a method often associated with academic training, as with the fine arts. But it also has a direct connection to reproductive printmaking, which was essential to the circulation of imagery in the 19th century. This helps us to remember the importance of print media, and its relation to student culture. The work invites us to consider the role of artistic skill and the circulation of images within Dutch society at the time.