Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1850 (plaat 9) 1850

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, "Masquerade of the Leiden Students," around 1850, now held in the Rijksmuseum. The heart of this work lies in its depiction of a historical masquerade. The costumes, drawn from various eras, present a symbolic layering of time. Flags waving in the background are more than mere decorations; they are emblems of power, identity, and allegiance. This act of masquerade is ancient. Think of the Roman Saturnalia, or even earlier rituals where dressing up was a form of transformation, a temporary escape from societal norms. The emotional power of such displays resides in their ability to evoke collective memories and stir subconscious desires. Over time, the meaning of costumes and flags may shift, yet the human impulse to transform and assert identity remains a potent force. This yearning for the past continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.