Kermis op de ruïne in Leiden 1855

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print called "Kermis op de ruïne in Leiden" using etching and aquatint. It depicts a fairground scene in the Netherlands, likely in the first half of the 19th century. These kinds of images offer a window into the social life of the time. We can consider the politics of the image here: What does it mean to represent a public celebration? Who is included, and who might be excluded? Note the clothing and groupings of the figures here. How might class differences be represented? Are there any military figures? The "ruïne" in the title suggests that the fair is taking place on or near some kind of ruins. This might be a reference to a specific historical event or location in Leiden. Further research into the history of Leiden could provide additional context for understanding this work. By studying images like this one, alongside historical records, we can gain a richer understanding of the social and cultural life of the Netherlands in this period.