Man met baret 1705 - 1775

Johann Georg Hertel created this etching, "Man met baret," in the 18th century. The beret is the most striking symbol here, a soft, round cap that, since antiquity, has been associated with the artist. Its presence signals not just identity, but also a state of mind. Consider how this echoes through time, from Renaissance self-portraits to modern-day bohemian expressions. The beret appears in paintings by Raphael, worn by figures who represent creativity and intellectual prowess. Its adoption by artists has become a visual shorthand for the artistic soul. Yet, the meaning is never fixed. Like an ancient myth retold, the beret shifts, sometimes embodying freedom, other times rebellion. It is a potent carrier of cultural memory, its symbolism constantly evolving. Perhaps, subconsciously, artists don the beret to connect with the wellspring of human creativity. It is a quest for identity across generations.