Groepsportret in Voorburg before 1894

Hendrik Herman van den Berg created this group portrait in Voorburg with photography, capturing a moment of social gathering. Note the hats worn by both men and women. These hats are not merely functional; they are potent symbols of status and identity. Across cultures and epochs, headwear has signified authority, belonging, and even rebellion. Think of the Phrygian cap of revolutionary France, or the miters of bishops – each a distinct marker of power and purpose. In this photograph, the hats reflect the social mores of the time, but also echo deeper, timeless themes of social distinction and self-presentation. The act of donning a hat, like any symbolic gesture, engages our collective memory, resonating with the echoes of countless generations. Ultimately, the photograph presents a frozen moment in time, yet it invites us to reflect on how symbols persist, transform, and continually reshape our understanding of ourselves and society.