Scène in een slaapkamer en een ongeluk met een draagstoel 1843 - 1876

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print, "Scène in een slaapkamer en een ongeluk met een draagstoel," using etching. The Dutch title suggests a satirical look at the lives of the upper class, contrasting a pampered lady with the chaos of everyday life outside. Made in the Netherlands, we see references to the social structures of the time. The upper scene shows the intimate, decorative space of the home and the visual codes associated with wealth and domesticity. Below, we see a mishap with a sedan chair, offering a glimpse into the hazards and disruptions of public life. Last’s print is an example of a satirical commentary on social customs. Understanding this artwork relies on knowing the customs, norms, and institutional contexts that shaped its creation and reception. Research into fashion, social commentary, and the history of Dutch printmaking are invaluable resources. Ultimately, this artwork shows the contingent nature of meaning, which is always shaped by social and institutional contexts.