Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1865 (plaat 15) 1865

Jan Daniël Cornelis Carel Willem baron de Constant Rebecque created this print in 1865, depicting a masquerade of students from Leiden. Here, the dominant symbols are figures in historical garb, particularly knights on horseback, evoking an idealized past. The procession reminds us of triumphal entries and formal displays of power, such as those depicted in ancient Roman reliefs or medieval tapestries. Note the knights' armor: throughout history, armor has represented not only protection but also status and chivalry, signifying courage and honor. We can see echoes of this in Renaissance paintings where classical heroes are depicted in gleaming armor, embodying virtue. The act of dressing in costume engages a collective memory, a desire to connect with the past. This act is not merely about historical accuracy but about invoking a sense of shared identity. The masquerade becomes a psychological theater, a space where desires and fantasies can be safely expressed. As we observe this image, we must remember that symbols evolve, resurface, and transform, continuously shaping our cultural understanding.