Hoofden van een man en vrouw

This engraving, ‘Heads of a Man and Woman,’ was created by Augustinus Terwesten in the 17th century. Observe how the elaborate curls of the woman's hair are given as much attention as her face. These carefully arranged locks echo the way similar hairstyles were immortalized in Roman sculptures. This intentional styling of the hair is not just a matter of fashion, but carries with it echoes of power and status, reminiscent of ancient rulers and goddesses. Hairstyles, like language, evolve through generations, yet certain forms persist, recurring through history. You may recall similar curls adorning figures in Renaissance paintings or even in contemporary fashion, each time subtly shifting in meaning. The gesture towards classical antiquity lends the piece a certain gravity, as if whispering of long-forgotten empires and resurfaced ideals.