De Groote Markt te Delft, op 4 April 1849 1849

This print, "De Groote Markt te Delft, op 4 April 1849," was made by Carel Christiaan Antony Last in the mid-19th century using a technique called etching, a printing process that relies on acid to cut lines into a metal plate. The character of the print lies in the clarity and detail of the etched lines, which allow for capturing the scene's intricate architectural and figural elements, and also for mass production. This print depicts a somber event in a public square with a large crowd, likely a royal funeral. The scale suggests a significant investment of time and skill, not only in the drawing but also in the labor-intensive etching process. The choice of printmaking as a medium is significant. It allowed Last to disseminate this image widely, engaging a broad public with this state event. Prints like these democratized access to imagery, making them a powerful tool for communicating and shaping public sentiment. By looking closely at materials and modes of production, we can better understand the social and political role of images in the 19th century.