Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850 (plaat 10) 1850

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, "Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850," using lithography. Note the procession of students, their garb and weaponry invoking a bygone era. These historical costumes trigger cultural memory, linking present celebrations with the grand pageantry of the past. This purposeful revival mirrors similar trends throughout history, such as Renaissance artists harkening back to classical antiquity. Observe the student's arms. Once symbols of protection and power, here they become props, echoing ancient Roman triumphs where conquered arms paraded as spoils of war, signaling both victory and a poignant reminder of mortality. The psychological aspect of the image is interesting. The act of dressing in costume allows the students to embody historical personas, tapping into collective fantasies and archetypes deeply embedded in the human psyche. The cyclical nature of these symbols underscores our continuous negotiation with history.