Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1870 (plaat 9) 1870

Editor: So, this is *Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1870 (plaat 9)*, a lithograph by Gerardus Johannes Bos, housed at the Rijksmuseum. It's quite a lively group portrait! There's almost a sense of historical re-enactment happening. What's your take on its presentation of history? Curator: The work's value lies in its construction of identity, not just individual, but collective. These aren't just students, they are Leiden students performing a certain ideal. Think about the history of universities in the Netherlands and how these institutions served to train the elites. This print celebrates and reinforces that social hierarchy. Notice the costumes: who are they emulating? What historical figures? Editor: I see a definite emphasis on historical attire! Some are on horseback and adorned in what appear to be rather fanciful, old-fashioned garments; are those supposed to be 16th or 17th century fashions? It’s all so meticulously rendered. How does its style inform the subject matter? Curator: Precisely! The lithograph participates in a much larger visual culture, rooted in academic art and Realism, which idealizes certain periods of the past. This allows us to consider the function of history as a spectacle and how historical narratives are used to consolidate social power, even within a student body. How does seeing this parade as performance change your perception? Editor: I guess it takes on a slightly less earnest tone? It seems more aware of itself as a "show" of history rather than just a portrayal of the past. The artist seems less interested in simply capturing reality and more interested in actively constructing and glorifying the performance. Curator: Exactly. The print's purpose is less about historical accuracy and more about social construction and collective affirmation through costumed performance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of student culture and the elite, expressed visually through deliberate choices of costumes, setting, and arrangement of the subjects. Editor: I hadn't considered how intentional the "performance" aspect was! Now I'm more curious about the social context of this parade, it's all so fascinating. Thanks for opening my eyes!