Portret van twee jonge vrouwen in kostuum 1895 - 1920

Hedvig Rosendahl captured this photograph of two young women in costume, and the symbols they display offer us a glimpse into the past. Notice the crosses on their dresses and the ‘W’ shapes on their belts, recurring motifs that remind us of symbols from ancient heraldry. The cross has been a symbol of sacrifice and devotion in a variety of religious traditions over the centuries. Meanwhile, the letter "W" or double "V," reminiscent of runic symbols, could hint at protection or victory. Consider how such symbols have appeared in different contexts, from medieval banners to contemporary fashion, each time adapted to convey new meanings. These symbols evoke ancestral memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level as they seek to decipher their significance. The visual language employed here emphasizes how symbols persist and evolve over time, resurfacing in various cultural forms, subtly influencing our perceptions and understandings of identity and heritage.