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

Editor: This watercolor and pen-ink sketch from 1865 is titled *Maskerade van de Leidse studenten, 1865 (plaat 15)*. It's by Jan Daniël Cornelis Carel Willem baron de Constant Rebecque. The first thing that strikes me is the theatricality. The figures almost feel like actors on a stage. What draws your eye when you look at this work? Curator: The same theatrical air grabbed me too! I'm wondering what story this 'maskerade' aimed to tell. I'm immediately drawn into wondering about the history being depicted, especially the fellow in red, at the front. It makes me think about how the past is remembered, performed, even distorted, in student culture. Do you get a sense of who they’re trying to represent? What time period is being presented? Editor: It feels almost medieval with the spears and robes, doesn't it? Were student societies known for historical reenactments at this time? Curator: Exactly! It has those echoes of romanticizing the Middle Ages that were all the rage in 19th-century Europe, although knowing students, maybe this was also playful satire! Given it's a sketchbook, it's probably also documentation and, therefore, we can explore the intent of the artist and what this scene was representing. There is much food for thought! What would you say you have noticed in it? Editor: That's a great point; the "satire" element. Seeing the details, especially how the people have been created within the medium makes me wonder about art movements in the 19th century, and what the influences are behind them. Now I need to go and read about art history. Curator: Ha! Exactly! It is like discovering a rabbit hole of interconnected references and inspirations! That's how one great piece always leads to many, many more. It's a fascinating and creative task to decode how history influences not only us, but the students of the time too, eh? Editor: Definitely, I'll keep a closer look at those student masquerades going forward! Thanks!