Man met baret met veer 1760

This 18th-century etching, created by the artist known only as Monogrammist FR, presents us with a man adorned with a feathered beret. The feather, a potent symbol, speaks of status and bravado. The feathered headdress echoes the plumage found in depictions of classical gods, such as Mercury, yet it also evokes images of Renaissance military leaders. Think of the elaborate helmets and crests, symbols of power and virility. This image has been passed down through history. It is a testament to our enduring fascination with symbols of prestige. The feather, seemingly weightless, carries the full weight of history, culture, and the collective subconscious. It appears and reappears, shifting in meaning, yet ever-present in our visual vocabulary.