Zittende man met hoed, op de rug gezien 1865 - 1930

Jac van Looij captured this image of a seated man with a hat in a drawing. The hat, perched atop the man's head, is more than mere headwear. It's a symbol of identity, of belonging to a certain class, and a signifier of the times. Consider how the hat has evolved through history. From the elaborate head coverings of the Renaissance elite to the more functional hats of the industrial era, it carries cultural weight. Think of the Roman senators, their heads covered as a symbol of their status. The slouching posture and the man's hidden face evoke feelings of introspection and perhaps even melancholy. It's an image that resonates with our own moments of contemplation, when we turn inward, away from the world. This motif of introspection can be traced back to classical depictions of philosophers in thoughtful repose. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, reminding us of shared human experiences. Even in modern times, the hat continues to evolve, resurfacing as a fashion statement, or a symbol of rebellion.