Man die door deur komt en hoed afneemt 1700 - 1730

Editor: Here we have "Man die door deur komt en hoed afneemt," which roughly translates to "Man coming through the door and taking off his hat". It's an engraving from between 1700 and 1730, its author sadly anonymous, and held at the Rijksmuseum. It’s such a simple scene, but there’s something almost theatrical about the gesture. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The simple act of removing one’s hat is rich with symbolic meaning, isn't it? It's an unveiling, a revealing of the self. Think about the door – it is a potent symbol of transition. Is he entering a new phase, leaving something behind? The hat itself speaks volumes about status, and propriety. Do you think that this single gesture, is of respect? Editor: Absolutely! The way he’s holding it almost feels performative. It does make you wonder what he’s walking into. Curator: The slight bow of his head coupled with removing headwear also represents an acknowledgement of something. In the baroque style, everything had a message. But I think, that message still resonates today – consider the power we attribute to someone baring their head, as a token of trust. Do we view that trust with some skepticism? Editor: That's such an interesting point. Maybe there’s a degree of vulnerability there that makes us cautious? And now seeing it again, is that wariness there in his gesture? He almost peers with apprehension, with his cap being held out as if on offer... Curator: Exactly! Visual languages persist. From classical art, the meaning behind things continues to echo. Our response, as much as the engraving itself, says something about our culture doesn’t it? Editor: It does! Thank you. It's amazing how much meaning is packed into one simple act. I will consider it every time I see someone taking their hat off. Curator: An act that continues to evolve within the performance of living itself!