Plate 15: mid-bust of a young woman in profile wearing a hat topped with feathers, from 'The Book for Learning to Draw' (Livre pour apprendre à dessiner) 1647 - 1652

Stefano della Bella created this drawing of a young woman in profile, topped with feathers, as part of 'The Book for Learning to Draw.' The feathers adorning her hat are not mere decoration. Throughout history, feathers have symbolized power, freedom, and spiritual ascent. Consider the feathered headdresses of indigenous cultures, emblems of leadership and connection to the divine. Or the winged helmets of classical gods like Mercury, signifying swiftness and divine authority. In our collective memory, feathers evoke a sense of lightness and aspiration, perhaps tapping into a subconscious desire to transcend earthly constraints. Over time, the meaning has shifted from purely sacred or aristocratic to secular, often denoting mere fashion. The psychological power of this image lies in its subtle blend of the worldly and the ethereal, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of the feather motif reveals how symbols resurface and evolve, acquiring new meanings across historical contexts.