Portret van Jan Willem van Sypesteyn 1867 - 1873

This is an undated portrait of Jan Willem van Sypesteyn, created by Wilhelmus Cornelis Chimaer van Oudendorp. Notice how the sitter’s gaze meets yours, a common trope of Renaissance portraiture intended to convey the subject’s directness and honesty. The mustache he sports is an interesting symbol. In the 19th century, the mustache signified virility, strength, and worldliness. We can trace its ascent from the elaborate beards of ancient Assyrian kings, symbols of power and wisdom, to its resurgence in 19th-century Europe. It has resurfaced in different forms throughout history, often as an emblem of masculinity. Think of the clean-shaven faces of Roman senators, symbolizing purity and reason, as a contrast. The cyclical nature of symbols is fascinating; they fade into the background only to re-emerge, laden with new significance. This constant reinvention speaks to our collective subconscious, an endless dialogue between past and present.