Portret van F.J. Spakler 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth rendered this portrait of F.J. Spakler using black and red chalk, now residing in the Rijksmuseum. The portrait captures Spakler's formal attire. The suit, a symbol of authority and respectability, speaks to the sitter's standing within society. The meticulous grooming and the carefully chosen attire reflect the values of the time, emphasizing the importance of public image and personal dignity. It's difficult to not see how this man’s mustache is reminiscent of those sported by ancient Babylonian rulers, symbolizing strength and power. In ancient cultures, facial hair often signified virility, wisdom, and status. Across centuries and cultures, the mustache has been carefully cultivated to project an image of authority. Here, it resurfaces in Spakler, bridging the gap between ancient symbols of power and modern-day respectability. Observe how these symbols persist, transformed yet recognizable, in our collective consciousness. The image resonates with us on a deeply ingrained level, stirring something within our cultural memory.