Portret van mr. Samuel van Houten, op hoge leeftijd, driekwart naar links 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten sketched this portrait of Mr. Samuel van Houten using graphite. The cap he wears, a common head covering, subtly denotes social status and belonging. Consider the evolution of head coverings: from the Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom in antiquity, to the various hats and caps across cultures, each marking identity. Even in the way Mr. van Houten's cap sits—modest yet dignified—echoes a historical lineage of power and social signification. The glasses, perched upon his nose, are a modern addition. They symbolize intellect and the ability to perceive and understand. This relates to similar symbols through time, like open books or scrolls, each representing knowledge. The gaze, mediated by the lenses, offers an intense psychological depth, engaging us on a subconscious level. Notice how the motifs of identity, intellect, and status, resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing world.