Onbekende man met gevederde hoed 1723 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart created this portrait of an unknown man with a feathered hat. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique, and its lines give a sense of precision and detail, typical of 18th-century portraiture. The man’s identity is a mystery, yet his attire speaks volumes about his social standing. Notice the feathered hat, the ornate chain, and the fur-trimmed coat—these are symbols of wealth and status during the Dutch Golden Age. But who was this man behind the finery? Hoolaart likely catered to the tastes of the bourgeois class, crafting images that celebrated their aspirations. The portrait offers a glimpse into a society preoccupied with appearances and the performance of identity. Consider how the sitter engages with the viewer. The slight smile hints at an inner life beyond the trappings of wealth, inviting us to look deeper. This artwork prompts us to consider the stories behind the faces of history. What does it mean to be remembered, and who gets to decide which stories are told?