Polnische Juden (Original Title) 

Franz Pforr created this drawing of Polish Jews at the beginning of the 19th century. Notice how the subjects' garments immediately signal their cultural identity, separating them from mainstream society. Consider the distinctive hat worn by one of the figures: the broad-brimmed hat was, at the time, a symbol of Jewish identity, yet its form echoes those worn by Christian pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages. This headgear acted as a visible signifier, both within their community and to the outside world. The act of holding hands, while seemingly simple, speaks to a deeper connection and solidarity during a period marked by discrimination and social exclusion. This small gesture appears in different forms throughout art history, representing bonds of kinship and mutual support. These symbols, charged with cultural and emotional significance, are not static; they morph and adapt, accumulating layers of meaning as they traverse time, reflecting the ever-changing currents of human experience.