Maskerade door studenten van de Leidse Hogeschool, 1840 (plaat 3) 1840

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet created this print titled 'Masquerade by Students of Leiden University, Plate 3', around 1840. It offers a glimpse into the traditions and social life of the Dutch academic world during that time. The print illustrates a procession of students in costume, likely part of a university celebration or historical reenactment. Consider the cultural context: the Netherlands in the 19th century was a society deeply invested in its history and national identity, but also dealing with social and political change. These masquerades were not just entertainment. They were public displays of identity, class, and allegiance to the university and its values. Who were these students, really? Predominantly from privileged backgrounds, their participation in such events reinforced existing social hierarchies, even as they played with historical roles and identities. The masquerade blurs the line between performance and reality, inviting us to reflect on how identities are constructed and displayed. Ultimately, this image captures a moment of performative identity, reminding us that history is not just a matter of dates and facts, but a living, breathing narrative that we continue to shape and interpret.