Buste van een man met hoed en pluim 19th century

This is a roughly 21 by 18 centimeter print called, "Buste van een man met hoed en pluim," made by the artist known as Monogrammist EOS. We know next to nothing about EOS, and so this artwork exists as something of an orphan. The print depicts a man in a flamboyant hat, complete with plumes. His cloak is draped loosely over his shoulders. The man's gaze is direct, his expression inscrutable, leaving us wondering about his story. The inscription "Malsarami" at the bottom hints at a specific identity, possibly a reference to a character from the Commedia dell'arte, a popular form of Italian theater. These characters often subverted social norms, offering commentary on class, gender, and power dynamics. EOS may have been using this figure to explore similar themes, questioning the rigid social structures of his time. The lack of additional context invites us to project our own interpretations onto this mysterious figure, making him a mirror reflecting our own understanding of identity and representation.