Maskerade door studenten van de Leidse Hogeschool, 1840 (plaat 8) 1840

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet made this lithograph in 1840, depicting a masquerade by students of Leiden University. In 19th century Netherlands, student life intertwined deeply with social identity and national pride. Annual festivals, parades and elaborate costumes allowed students to perform their understanding of Dutch history, and signal their affiliation with elite institutions. Here, the medieval attire evokes a romanticized past, echoing the nationalistic sentiments pervasive at the time. Universities like Leiden played a crucial role in shaping the Dutch identity and its place in the world, but they have always been a contested space. By studying the visual culture around such student events, we can learn about the construction of social hierarchies. To fully grasp the nuances of this masquerade, historians turn to university archives, student publications, and accounts of public festivals. By piecing together the social and institutional context, we gain a richer understanding of art's role in shaping cultural values.