Neerziende man met pet 1768 - 1796

Pieter de Mare created this etching of a nearsighted man wearing a cap in the late 18th century. Observe the downward gaze, a motif echoing through centuries of art, symbolizing introspection and humility. The man's eyes are cast down, a gesture reminiscent of countless depictions of penitent saints and sorrowful figures throughout art history. Consider the posture of the head, bowed in a manner that recalls the classical trope of melancholy. This posture transcends mere physical action; it becomes a potent symbol, laden with cultural memory and the weight of human experience. One is reminded of Dürer's "Melancholia I," where the slumped figure embodies deep contemplation and the burden of knowledge. The act of looking down, laden with humility or introspection, cycles through time, continually resurfacing and evolving in the collective human consciousness.