Drie koppen 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat sketched “Drie Koppen” in pen and ink. The most striking motif is the hat, isn't it? A prominent symbol that has journeyed through time. The hat is not merely headwear; it is a cultural marker, a signifier of status, profession, and identity. Think of the ceremonial hats of priests, or the elaborate headpieces worn by figures in Renaissance portraits. In this sketch, the hats suggest a variety of social roles. The way the figures are placed one above the other reminds me of the hierarchy of power, as seen in ancient frescoes. The hat is not simply an object; it is an emblem of authority, a mask of identity, and a vessel of memory. It reappears through history, adapting to new contexts and cultures, each time carrying the echoes of its past. The enduring presence of the hat speaks to our collective fascination with roles and identity.