Vrouw en drie heren op straat 1832 - 1902

Karel Frederik Bombled created this print titled "Woman and three men on the street", using etching. The gentlemen’s hats, each a symbol of status and authority, reflect the rigid social hierarchies of the 19th century. But look closer, and you’ll see that these symbols are not static. The top hat, for instance, once a mark of the bourgeoisie, appears here alongside military regalia. Consider the hat's journey – from ancient ceremonial wear to modern fashion, each transformation layers on new cultural meanings. Even the woman’s shawl, reminiscent of ancient draped figures, echoes the past. It reappears time and again, draped over shoulders in countless portraits and classical sculptures, each time evoking a sense of protection. These are more than mere fashion; they are conduits of memory. Each motif is laden with its own complex history, constantly shifting with each new appearance.