Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850 (plaat 5) 1850

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this monochrome drawing, titled 'Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850 (plaat 5),' in 1850. The drawing portrays a masquerade of students from Leiden, Netherlands, costumed in what seems to be 17th-century military attire. In the 19th century, the Netherlands was undergoing a period of national self-discovery, looking back to its historical and cultural roots. The students' masquerade reflects a romanticized view of Dutch history, particularly the Golden Age, when the Netherlands was a major power. The drawing may also touch on issues of class and privilege, as student societies in Leiden were often exclusive, attracting members from the upper echelons of society. Masquerades were a way to flaunt status and wealth, creating a visual spectacle that reinforced social hierarchies. As we consider the drawing, it prompts us to question how we engage with our own histories and identities today. The drawing not only serves as a historical record, but also as a mirror reflecting the ways in which societies construct and perform identity.