Heruitvoering van de optocht bij de inwijding van Universiteit van Leiden van 1575, 1825 1825

Daniël (I) Veelwaard created this print in 1825, depicting the re-enactment of the procession during the inauguration of Leiden University in 1575. Consider the history of the Netherlands reflected in this image. In 1575, the University of Leiden was founded by William of Orange during the Dutch Revolt, a war for independence from Spain. Think about the power dynamics at play here. The University became a symbol of Dutch resilience and intellectual freedom, but also a tool of statecraft. This print reminds us that institutions of learning are always tied to political projects. Veelwaard's print, made centuries later, highlights the ongoing resonance of this historical narrative. It prompts us to question how historical events are selectively remembered and re-presented to shape national identity. The detailed portrayal of the procession invites a reflection on the weight of history, and how it continues to influence the present.