Utrechtsche Studenten Almanak 1858 / Licht- en schaduwbeelden, opgevangen bij gelegenheid der rijpartij, 5 november, 1857 1858

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, "Utrechtsche Studenten Almanak 1858," illustrating scenes from a student procession using light and shadow. Note the recurring motif of figures on horseback and in carriages. The horse, a potent symbol of status and vitality, echoes through history, harking back to ancient Roman triumphs where emperors paraded on horseback to demonstrate power and victory. Think of equestrian statues from the Renaissance, where the horse elevates the leader, embodying control and mastery. Similarly, carriages, often associated with wealth and leisure, remind us of the elaborate Baroque era conveyances, symbols of opulence and aristocratic privilege. Observe how these motifs persist through the ages, transforming yet retaining their core associations. The collective memory embedded in these symbols evokes a psychological resonance, engaging our subconscious understanding of power, status, and historical continuity. These images become more than just pictures; they are echoes of past glories.