Portret van kardinaal Federico Borromeo 1670s

Albertus Clouwet created this portrait of Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1670. Notice the Cardinal's hat, a symbol of his high ecclesiastical rank, proudly displayed above his head. This hat isn't just headwear; it's a vestige, an echo of ancient Roman hats, which signified status and authority. Over centuries, the hat has been passed down, reappearing in different guises, from the mitres of bishops to the crowns of kings. Consider the psychological weight it carries. The hat is a potent symbol of power and its transformation reflects humanity’s enduring fascination with authority. It’s a dance of cultural memory, as each iteration of the hat subtly reshapes its meaning. In this print, the hat is not merely an article of clothing; it is a nexus point, connecting us to the deep currents of history and the ever-evolving symbols of authority that shape our collective psyche.