Portret van een onbekende Groningse student in maskeradekostuum 1886 - 1897

This is a photograph by Berend Mulder, picturing an unknown student from Groningen in masquerade costume. Photographs such as this, of students dressed up for carnival or theatrical events, reflect the cultural life of the late 19th century Netherlands. The sitter’s costume and pose, and the photographer’s backdrop and props, are all visual codes that create a sense of elegance and theatricality. The photograph was made in Groningen, a university town. Student associations have a long history in the Netherlands, dating back to the 16th century. The associations often had elaborate initiation rituals and social events, where students would dress up in costume. Photographs like this one were likely made to commemorate such events. We can learn more about the student culture of the time by looking at university archives, student newspapers, and other historical sources. By studying these materials, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which this photograph was made.