Portrait of Bothmer 

This is Carl Hoff's pencil drawing of Bothmer, held at the Städel Museum. The feathered hat, positioned jauntily atop Bothmer’s head, is the most compelling element. The feather, throughout history, has served as an enduring symbol across myriad cultures, an emblem of status and power. It rises like a crest from his head, akin to the winged helmets of antiquity. Think of Hermes, messenger of the gods, or the Valkyries, who bore the dead to Valhalla. Yet, here, the feather seems almost playful. The hat is worn at a jaunty angle, perhaps a subtle nod to the subject's personality or social standing. This isn't merely decorative; it's deeply psychological. The feather, once a mark of divine authority or martial prowess, now takes on a lighter tone, reflecting a cultural shift towards individual expression. Indeed, the story of the feather is never linear. It has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings across time.