Maskerade door studenten van de Leidse Hogeschool, 1840 (plaat 11) 1840

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet made this lithograph titled 'Masquerade by Students of Leiden University' around 1840. It depicts a procession of students dressed in historical costumes. During the 19th century, historical pageants and masquerades became popular forms of public spectacle, reflecting a growing interest in national identity and historical memory. The students in Cornet’s lithograph are not merely dressing up; they are performing a specific version of the past. The choice of medieval attire speaks to the romanticized view of the Middle Ages prevalent at the time, associating it with chivalry, honor, and a sense of national origin. The inclusion of horses, heraldry, and elaborate costumes suggests a desire to connect with a heroic, idealized past. This form of historical reenactment can be seen as a way to legitimize contemporary social hierarchies by linking them to a constructed lineage. By carefully staging and representing history, the students assert their place within a larger cultural narrative, reinforcing the values and identities they wish to project.