Twee matrozen op het dek van een schip 1913

Victor Hageman etched this scene of two sailors on deck. The men’s headwear immediately strikes us; one wears a simple cap, the other a turban-like cloth, each marking their identity and perhaps their origin. Headwear is not mere decoration, but a symbol of status, faith, and belonging. The turban, historically worn across diverse cultures, from the Middle East to India, signifies honor and spirituality. We can trace its evolution through countless depictions, each bearing the weight of cultural memory. The differing headwear may trigger a sense of displacement, a subtle nod to the psychological impact of encountering the unfamiliar, reminding us of the complexities inherent in cultural exchange and identity. The symbols are not static; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, mirroring the ebb and flow of human history and experience.