Dubbelportret van een man met driekantige steek 1748

Johann Gottlieb Glume created this double portrait of a man with a tricorn hat with etching techniques. The most dominant symbol in this image is the tricorn hat, a style popularized in the 18th century among the military and aristocracy. The tricorn, with its distinctive three-cornered shape, was not merely a fashion statement; it was a marker of status and authority, a symbol of power worn by those who held positions of influence in society. The hat can be traced back to earlier military headwear, evolving from practical brimmed hats that were pinned up to offer better visibility on the battlefield. Over time, the tricorn hat became deeply embedded in the collective memory, representing not just military prowess but also the social hierarchy of the era. We see echoes of this hat's symbolism resurfacing in later military uniforms and even in theatrical costumes, where it continues to evoke a sense of historical authority. Notice the psychological weight of the hat in this portrait: it dominates the composition, drawing the viewer's eye and underscoring the subject's self-assuredness. It is a powerful emblem, resonating with historical echoes and engaging our subconscious understanding of power.