Portræt af prinsesse Louise Augusta 1786

This is a portrait of Princess Louise Augusta, captured by J.F. Clemens in an engraving. What immediately strikes the eye is the elaborate hairstyle, a towering edifice of powdered hair, typical of the late 18th century. More than mere fashion, this was a statement of status, an echo of the headdresses of antiquity, symbolizing power and elevated social standing. Consider the ribbon adorning her dress. Ribbons, from ancient Greece to Renaissance courts, have been symbols of binding, connection, and status. In medieval times, ribbons indicated chivalry; the act of tying a ribbon around a knight’s arm by a lady was considered a sign of devotion. The ribbon evolves through time and continues to resurface. Here, it presents a softer, more intimate connection, a symbol of affection, perhaps even a subconscious plea for connection in a world governed by rigid social rules. The portrait is more than just an image; it's a mirror reflecting our ongoing dance with symbols of power and love.