Hoofddracht van een meisje uit Noord-Holland, 1816 Possibly 1816 - 1825

Willem van Senus made this work in 1816, titled "Headress of a Girl from North Holland," with pen and brush in watercolor. Immediately striking is the profile view, emphasizing the intricate headress. The artist masterfully uses watercolor to capture the delicate details and textures. Senus transforms what might be a simple portrait into an exploration of cultural identity. The headress becomes a focal point, laden with symbolic meaning. The composition, tightly cropped, directs our gaze to the face and headress, prompting questions about the individual and her place within society. The artwork operates on a semiotic level, where clothing functions as a signifier of regional identity. The headress, therefore, is not merely an article of clothing, but a symbol of cultural belonging. In viewing this artwork, we engage with the layers of meaning embedded in its visual structure.