Portret van de Franse prentuitgever N.C. Aubourg before 1803

This etching portrays the French print publisher N.C. Aubourg, captured by Baron Dominique Vivant Denon in a delicate profile. The powdered wig, a ubiquitous symbol of status and intellect during the 18th century, speaks volumes. The wig's presence is not merely decorative; it signals an adherence to societal norms. Across Europe, the powdered wig served as a mask, concealing the individual beneath layers of artifice. Yet, it also offered a sense of belonging and legitimacy. Consider the evolution of head coverings throughout history. From the elaborate headdresses of ancient royalty to the simple veils of religious orders, the head has long been a site of symbolic significance. The wig, with its calculated curls and deliberate application of powder, represents another chapter in this ongoing narrative. It's a reminder of how we use external symbols to negotiate our place in the world, to project an image of ourselves that aligns with collective expectations, all while perhaps masking deeper, more individual truths.