Kop van een man met baard 1768 - 1796

This is Pieter de Mare's etching of a bearded man's head, created in the late 18th century. The subject's hooded head and flowing beard immediately recall images of prophets and patriarchs from religious art, figures laden with wisdom and burdened by the weight of their knowledge. We see echoes of this archetype in countless images throughout history. Consider the ancient philosophers, often depicted with similar beards, or even the mourning faces of the old testament. In the visual language of grief, the downturned mouth speaks volumes. It's a posture of sorrow, a symbol that transcends time and culture. Observe how such imagery persists, evolving through the ages, and touching our subconscious. This image reminds us of the cyclical nature of human experience, the enduring power of symbols, and the way our collective memory shapes our understanding of the world.