Maskerade van de Utrechtse studenten, 1846 (plaat 4) 1847

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print, "Maskerade van de Utrechtse studenten, 1846," using lithography. This printmaking technique involves drawing an image on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then treating it so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Lithography was a relatively new technology at the time, enabling the mass production of images. Look closely, and you can see the subtle texture of the print, a direct result of the materials and process used. The sharp lines and detailed shading demonstrate Last’s skill as a draughtsman, with a focus on capturing the likenesses of the students in their costumes. Each figure's attire and posture are meticulously rendered, offering insight into the traditions and customs of student life in Utrecht. The choice of lithography as a medium speaks to broader social and economic shifts in the 19th century, where mass production facilitated wider access to visual culture, blurring the boundaries between fine art and popular imagery.