Kroning Karel de Grote 1835

This print of ‘The Coronation of Charlemagne’ was created by Carel Christiaan Antony Last, and forms part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Last’s medium of choice, printmaking, is itself a fascinating combination of craft and industry. It requires both technical mastery of engraving tools and an understanding of reproduction and the creation of multiples. Notice the impressive level of detail achieved with simple lines. This technique, while seemingly straightforward, demanded a keen eye and steady hand from the engraver. Printmaking in the 19th century also allowed for wider dissemination of images and ideas, connecting with a broader public audience. In Last's era, it became a powerful tool for social commentary and education, capturing a moment in history for mass consumption. It reminds us that even what appear to be “fine art” objects are often deeply intertwined with the techniques and technologies of their time. It invites us to consider how an artwork's meaning is shaped not only by its subject, but also by the labor and material processes of its creation.