Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1855 (plaat 11) 1855

Gerardus Johannes Bos created this print, “Masquerade of the Leiden Students, 1855,” offering us a glimpse into the performative aspects of student life during the mid-19th century. Here, we see students in elaborate costumes, participating in what was likely a festive parade or theatrical performance. These masquerades were not mere entertainment. They were carefully constructed displays of identity and social status. Consider the figures on display: Who had the privilege to participate in such events? How did these performances reinforce or challenge existing social norms? By dressing up and playing different roles, students explored ideas of identity, history, and community, but within the confines of their privileged positions. This image, while seemingly lighthearted, is a potent reminder of how social hierarchies can be both reinforced and playfully subverted through performance and spectacle. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between identity, privilege, and the stories we tell about ourselves.