Opening Staten Generaal, 1864 1864

Hendrik Wilhelmus Last created this print, "Opening Staten Generaal," in 1864, depicting a ceremonial procession in the Netherlands. The detailed print captures a moment steeped in tradition and power, as the Dutch Parliament convenes. Consider the context: the mid-19th century was a time of shifting political landscapes and growing national identities. While the scene appears stately, it’s also a reminder of the limited participation in governance. The print suggests a carefully constructed image of unity and order, but what voices are missing from this representation? Last’s work invites us to reflect on the performance of power and the ways in which national identity is constructed through spectacle. What does it mean to witness such an event, and how does it shape one’s sense of belonging or exclusion?