Portret van een jonge vrouw met pijpenkrullen, naar links 1839

This is a pencil drawing of a young woman with pipe curls, made by Johan Hendrik Koelman. Note how the woman’s gaze is averted. The downcast gaze can be traced back to classical antiquity, often signifying modesty or melancholy. We see this repeated in countless Renaissance portraits, each time imbued with the cultural values of its era. Think of Botticelli’s Virgins: their averted eyes signal purity. The woman’s hairstyle, those delicate pipe curls, are another potent symbol. These styles have recurred throughout history, each time associated with particular social or political ideals. The curls of ancient Greek statues come to mind – later echoed in the romantic ringlets of the 19th century. Each revival brings new layers of meaning. In essence, this portrait captures the cyclical nature of symbols, revealing how gestures and styles resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings across the ages, engaging us on a subconscious level.