Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1865 (plaat 7) 1865

This lithograph, ‘Masquerade of the Leiden Students, plate 7’, was made in 1865 by Jan Daniël Cornelis Carel Willem baron de Constant Rebecque. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then treated with acid, allowing ink to adhere only to the drawn areas. The application of the lithographic technique to this masquerade scene lends it a graphic clarity, essential for capturing the intricate costumes and ceremonial elements. Beyond aesthetics, consider the social context; lithography emerged as a relatively affordable method for mass production of images, enabling wider dissemination of visual narratives. This print offers a glimpse into the culture of student life in Leiden, capturing a moment of festivity and tradition. The choice of lithography as the medium democratizes the image, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond the elite circles.