Gerardus Johannes Bos made this watercolor in 1855, showing the masquerade of the students of Leiden. In this work, we see a procession of students dressed in historical costumes. The work appears to be celebrating the rich cultural history of the Netherlands. But what is the public role of this art? The painting memorializes and legitimizes student traditions while presenting a self-consciously progressive vision of Dutch identity, as it celebrates educational institutions. This type of artwork requires close attention to the historical context. We need to understand the cultural and social values of the Netherlands in the mid-19th century, including the role of student societies and their relationship to broader social and political movements. Luckily, the archives of the Rijksmuseum can provide insights into the artist's intentions and the reception of his work.