Donald Davidson c. 1930

This photograph of Donald Davidson was captured by Alfred Stieglitz, and its date remains unconfirmed. Observe the beret, a seemingly simple accessory. Yet, this headwear evokes centuries of cultural symbolism, harking back to ancient Greece and Rome, where similar caps denoted freedom and artistry. Over time, the beret has been adopted by various groups, from the French Revolutionaries to the artists of Montmartre, each imbuing it with new layers of meaning. In Stieglitz's photograph, the beret might suggest Davidson's intellectual or artistic inclinations, perhaps even aligning him with a lineage of thinkers and creators. Consider how the seemingly straightforward portrait can be filled with the weight of cultural memory. The image engages us on a subconscious level, tapping into our collective understanding of symbols and their ever-evolving roles. The beret is a motif that continues to resurface, adapting and accruing new significance in each era.