Montering van de cavalerie van het exercitiegenootschap van Leidse studenten, ca. 1785 1789

This watercolor drawing, made around 1785 by an anonymous artist, depicts the uniform of the cavalry of the Leiden student exercise society. The rendering is very precise, almost technical in nature. The artist meticulously applied watercolor washes to capture the details of the uniform, including the tailoring, the buttons, and the elaborate feather plume. But it's not just a depiction of fine tailoring; it’s also a testament to the social hierarchies of the time. The materials, sourced globally and fashioned locally, speak to the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 18th century. The fine wool, dyed in vibrant colors, would have been expensive, the preserve of the wealthy. Note the buttons, carefully painted to suggest a sheen of metal. Consider the labor involved: the weavers, dyers, tailors, and merchants, all contributing to the creation of this symbol of status. So, while this may appear to be simply a record of a uniform, it is also an index of a wider world of production, consumption, and social aspiration. By considering these elements, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.