Voorstelling van de loopbaan van een Leidse student, 1871 1871

Jan Mesker created this print in 1871, envisioning the academic journey of a student in Leiden. Observe the staircase, a powerful symbol of ascent and progression, lined with scenes of classical allegories, academic rituals, and student life. This motif of the staircase reminds me of ancient mystery religions, where initiates climbed steps representing increasing levels of enlightenment. Note, in the lower levels here, figures of classical inspiration: an orating leader, a seated lady, and the scales of justice. Further along we see images of duels, the doctor’s promotion, the graduation. Justice, often depicted with scales as seen here, is a recurring figure across cultures, symbolizing moral balance and legal fairness. The emotional undercurrent of striving and ambition is palpable. It speaks to our collective yearning for improvement and achievement. These symbols are not static; they evolve with cultural shifts, echoing in modern self-help narratives and career ladders, always reflecting our deep-seated desire to climb higher. The cyclical, non-linear journey echoes our perpetual quest for understanding, forever resurfacing in new guises.