Plaats Majoor 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen painted this image of a Major at his post with watercolor. Consider the hat, the mitre-like headdress. You might recognize its echo in the ceremonial attire of religious figures. The tall, pointed shape speaks to authority, a visual claim on power that transcends the earthly and ventures into the spiritual, a manifestation of a deeply rooted human need to establish hierarchies. Think back to ancient Egypt, where pharaohs wore towering crowns. This visual language has adapted and shifted throughout history, yet its essence remains. From priests to military leaders, the elevated headgear signifies a connection to something greater, a role beyond the individual. These cultural symbols invoke a sense of awe and obedience, tapping into a collective, often subconscious, recognition of power. Ultimately, this portrait is more than a likeness; it is a study of how we project authority, echoing across time and place.