Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1865 (plaat 12) 1865

This print, made in 1865 by Jan Daniël Cornelis Carel Willem baron de Constant Rebecque, depicts the Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, or the masquerade of the students of Leiden. Here, students parade in elaborate historical costumes, evoking a romanticized vision of the past. The scene provides insights into the social and cultural values of the Dutch academic community during this period. The costumes and pageantry suggest an interest in historical identity and national pride, reflecting broader trends in 19th-century European culture. This event likely served as a means of reinforcing social bonds and celebrating the traditions of the university. We might consider how the institution of the university itself shapes artistic expression and how events like these contribute to the construction of collective memory and identity. Further research into the archives of Leiden University and contemporary accounts of the masquerade might shed additional light on this artwork. Ultimately, the image is a product of its time, shaped by specific social and institutional forces.