Optocht bij de inwijding van Universiteit van Leiden, 1575 1779 - 1781

This print depicts the procession celebrating the inauguration of Leiden University in 1575, created by an anonymous artist. Observe how the composition unfolds across distinct horizontal registers, each presenting a different phase or aspect of the event. The use of linear perspective creates a sense of depth, drawing the eye through the scene. Notice the contrast between the orderly arrangement of figures and the dynamic movement within each tier, which animates the composition and suggests the lively atmosphere of the procession. This structuring of space and figures can be interpreted through a semiotic lens, with each tier functioning as a distinct signifier in a larger narrative about the founding of the university. The print is not merely a record, but a structured representation imbued with symbolic meaning. Finally, reflect on how the formality of the composition and its spatial organization contribute to a discourse on institutional power and the construction of collective memory.