Blad uit Utrechtse studentenalmanak, 1862 1862

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print, 'Blad uit Utrechtse studentenalmanak', in 1862. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create lines in a metal plate, which are then inked and printed onto paper. The fine, delicate lines are characteristic of this process. Notice how Last has used different densities of line to create areas of light and shadow, giving depth and volume to the figures and scenes. The print depicts various types of students in Utrecht, capturing their daily activities, from studying and attending lectures to relaxing and socializing. Etchings like this were often produced in multiples, making them accessible to a wider audience, reflecting a growing culture of mass production and consumption. The choice of etching as a medium, with its capacity for detail and reproducibility, aligns with the rise of print culture in the 19th century. Considering the material and process helps us understand the social and cultural context of the artwork. The print offers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century student life, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between art, society, and the everyday.