Drie heren met steek 1761 - 1804

This print, made by Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont, presents three men adorned with tricorne hats. The tricorne, a symbol of 18th-century fashion and status, immediately anchors us in a world of social hierarchy and sartorial elegance. Notice how the rightmost figure raises his hat in a theatrical gesture. This act of doffing one's hat carries a rich history, evolving from medieval displays of deference to more modern forms of greeting and respect. Think of similar gestures across cultures – the bowing of heads, the curtsying of women – all conveying a sense of acknowledgment. This gesture may be linked to the archetype of the 'wandering soul,' always in motion, seeking connection. We see echoes of this in classical depictions of Hermes, messenger of the gods, forever flitting between worlds. Like Hermes, these figures become carriers of cultural memory, reminding us that human expression is a layered tapestry woven across time. The hat, once a mere object, transforms into a potent symbol, laden with meaning and history.