Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1855 (plaat 10) 1855

Editor: We’re looking at "Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1855 (plaat 10)" by Gerardus Johannes Bos, made with coloured pencil. I'm immediately struck by how it shows this colourful procession, like a theatrical performance. How would you interpret this scene? Curator: For me, it’s about unpacking the spectacle, really. Look at the labour involved: from the mining of pigments to the production of coloured pencils and paper. What statements are made through these vibrant pigments? Who had access to these materials and skills, and how does it relate to their social status within the student community? Editor: So you're saying the materiality of the drawing itself, like the access to coloured pencils, reveals a class aspect to this student masquerade? Curator: Precisely. Coloured pencils, while seemingly simple, represent a certain level of economic privilege and artistic training in the mid-19th century. How does that shape the narratives they construct in their performances? Is it a playful mocking of the social order or rather its uncritical enactment? Editor: That makes sense. I hadn't considered the materials themselves as a form of commentary. Do the outfits, especially the details, require specific craftsmanship to manufacture? How does that affect our reading of the work? Curator: The craftsmanship inherent in the costumes is crucial. Think about the tailors, seamstresses, and dyers involved. Were they part of the student community, or external labourers? This image is an artifact documenting how different kinds of labour went into constructing this fleeting masquerade, underscoring the interdependence of various social strata even within leisure and entertainment. Editor: Thinking about the makers of the materials as well as the makers of the masquerade really reframes how I understand the work. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The very act of drawing this performance freezes a moment built on extensive production, prompting us to question the labor practices embedded within this celebration of student life.