Portret van Jansje Henfers, de eerste vrouw van Frans Reijk Roos jr. 1881 - 1908

Nicolaas Schuitvlot captured this image of Jansje Henfers, the first wife of Frans Reijk Roos Jr. The feathered hat— a prominent feature of the portrait— carries echoes of ancient symbols of power and divinity. Feathers, since antiquity, have adorned gods, royalty, and warriors, signifying status and connection to the heavens. The hat mirrors the winged helmets of classical deities and heroes. The evolution of headwear traces a non-linear path through time, recurring in various forms, each era imbuing it with new significance. It’s not far off from the elaborate hairstyles of Renaissance portraits, towering in height and laden with jewels— a display of power, wealth, and status. The feather, like many symbols, resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different contexts. Its presence here invites us to ponder the enduring human impulse to adorn ourselves with symbols of status and aspiration, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.