Tekenende mannen 1865 - 1936

Nicolaas van der Waay created this artwork, “Tekenende mannen,” using etching. Notice the repetition of the motif of men in hats. The hat, historically a symbol of status, authority, and belonging, transcends mere practicality. Look back to ancient Egypt, where headwear signified divinity, or to the medieval era, where hats distinguished social classes. Hats and headwear carry the weight of societal norms, transforming a mundane object into a powerful signifier. The hat is a performative act—a theatrical costume, if you will. In this etching, these men wear their hats indoors. Consider the emotional undercurrent of conformity and perhaps even self-deception. How does this seemingly simple head covering become charged with unspoken narratives? The hat is a social construct laden with historical weight.