Groepsportret van het Amsterdamsch Studenten Corps c. 1897

Nicolaas Schuitvlot made this photograph of the Amsterdam Student Corps, probably near the turn of the century. It's a fascinating image that provides insight into the social fabric of the Netherlands during that period. Look closely at the composition. The architecture acts as a backdrop, with the students arranged in a carefully posed group. This staging suggests a self-conscious performance of identity, reinforcing the idea of the student corps as a distinct social entity. What does it mean to be a student in Amsterdam at this time? Considering that the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and political changes, how did organizations like the Amsterdam Student Corps reflect or challenge those changes? To understand this photo better, we can examine the archives of the University of Amsterdam and the historical records of student organizations. This will help us uncover the nuances of student life, the politics of belonging, and the ways in which the Amsterdam Student Corps shaped the identity and values of its members.