Study of Gentile Bellini 1855

This is Edgar Degas' "Study of Gentile Bellini", a drawing capturing the likeness of the Renaissance artist. Look closely at Bellini's cap, a "doge's corno," the ceremonial headdress of Venetian dukes, a symbol of power and authority. This headdress is not merely a piece of clothing, but a potent signifier. Think of the Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom in antiquity, revived during the French Revolution, or even the papal tiara, each bearing historical and cultural weight. The corno, too, embodies a rich history. Consider how leaders throughout history have used headgear to project power: the feathered headdresses of indigenous chiefs, the elaborate crowns of European monarchs. The choice of headgear reveals a calculated intention to command respect and convey authority. This drawing, in its delicate lines, evokes a sense of timelessness. Bellini's corno is not just a hat; it is a vessel of history, a symbol passed down through generations, each wearing imbuing it with new layers of meaning, resonating with the collective memory of power and prestige.