Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1875 (plaat 17) 1875

Gerardus Johannes Bos created this print of the student’s masquerade in Leiden in 1875. It shows a parade of students on horseback, dressed in elaborate costumes that seem to evoke earlier eras. We can see the influence of the historical societies and student associations that flourished in the Netherlands during this time. These societies often celebrated national history through elaborate festivals and performances, reinforcing a sense of cultural identity and pride. The student masquerade suggests the importance of social status and tradition in the academic world. The performance of history creates a specific vision of the past, and it invites the viewer to consider the relationship between tradition, identity, and social change in the Netherlands of the late 19th century. To understand the masquerade more fully, we might consult the archives of Leiden University and the records of student associations to understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped this event.