Boekje bij de maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1855 1855

This book, made for the masquerade of the Leiden students in 1855, is a fascinating example of how printmaking could be used for social commentary. Created by C.C. van der Hoek, its production involved a combination of skills and materials indicative of the printing techniques of the time. The text is clearly presented, and the decorative borders add a touch of elegance, suggesting a level of craft and attention to detail. The labor involved in designing, typesetting, and printing such an item would have been significant, pointing to the established industry of printing and publishing that was gaining momentum in the nineteenth century. This book serves as a reminder of the labor and skill involved in the production of even seemingly simple printed materials, and how they reflect the social and cultural values of their time. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the rich history of craft and production embedded within such objects.