Fotoreproductie van een gefotografeerd portret van Poppy van den Berg-Dunlop before 1894

This is a photographic reproduction of a portrait by Hendrik Herman van den Berg, depicting Poppy van den Berg-Dunlop. The focus of our attention is drawn to the sitter’s clothing, a polka-dot garment, and the way it frames her face. These circular motifs ripple through art history; think of the celestial bodies in cosmological diagrams, or the protective shields in medieval tapestries. These repetitive, eye-like shapes can be traced to ancient apotropaic symbols, believed to ward off evil. As we delve deeper, consider how the collective unconscious might interpret this pattern. The dots, like countless eyes, evoke feelings of being watched or monitored. This feeling is rooted in our primal fears and instincts, which are subconsciously passed down from one generation to the next. The image taps into deep-seated emotional states, sparking curiosity and perhaps a slight disquiet. It's remarkable how these symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts. The circular form continues its journey through time, echoing in modern art, fashion, and design, demonstrating the enduring power of visual motifs across cultures.