Opening Staten Generaal, 1864 1864

Hendrik Wilhelmus Last’s “Opening van de Vergadering der Staten-Generaal”, created in 1864, depicts a grand procession in front of the Dutch Parliament building, showcasing the arrival of dignitaries and guests for the opening of the States-General. This lithograph, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures the elaborate ceremony of a historical event, a testament to Last’s skillful depiction of detail and the grandeur of the occasion. The artwork provides a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch society and the significance of parliamentary proceedings.