Portret van Jacqueline Ricket 1883 - 1884

This photogravure, by Friedrich Carel Hisgen, captures Jacqueline Ricket in profile. The image is a study of her features. Consider her braided hair, an important cultural signifier. Throughout history, hair has been a powerful symbol of identity, status, and belonging, a phenomenon found across the globe and throughout time. Think of the elaborate hairstyles in ancient Egypt that denoted status, or the tonsures of monks signifying religious devotion. Here, in this portrait, the braids carry the weight of cultural memory and resilience. Hairdressing is an intimate and social art form. This is not simply a hairstyle but a connection to heritage and community. The image resonates with a deeper, almost subconscious understanding of cultural identity. It is a reminder of how even seemingly simple visual elements can carry profound emotional and historical meaning. These symbols evolve, transform, and re-emerge, connecting us to the past.