Spotprent in Leidse studentenalmanak, 1849 1849

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print in 1849 for a student almanac in Leiden. The scene presents a shooting practice, a common activity for student associations in the 19th century Netherlands. These associations were more than social clubs; they were spaces where young men from privileged backgrounds forged identities rooted in camaraderie and national pride. Look closely, and you'll notice the stark gender divide: men dominate the shooting range, while women and children are relegated to the sidelines, embodying traditional domestic roles. The military drills could be read as a means to practice and prepare for their potential roles in national defense. The print offers a glimpse into a very specific social world, one where class, gender, and national identity intersect in complex ways. It's a reminder that even leisure activities can be deeply embedded in the power structures of society, shaping who gets to participate and who remains on the periphery.