Forarbejde til fem af hovederne til stikket: Frederik d. Store rider hjem efter en revy ved Potsdam 1788

J.F. Clemens created this preparatory drawing of five heads with graphite, likely sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Here, the plumed hat is more than mere headwear. It's a symbol of authority and status that echoes through history, reminiscent of helmets donned by ancient warriors. The hat’s embellishments carry echoes of triumphal processions, recalling the feathered headdresses of indigenous tribes. Consider, too, how the arrangement of figures in profile evokes the visual language of ancient Roman coins or Renaissance portraiture. This artistic choice isn’t arbitrary; it’s a deliberate invocation of historical precedents to associate its subject with notions of power, legacy, and permanence. Each detail adds to the psychological depth of the image. This symbol transcends time, resurfacing and evolving, taking on new meanings in different contexts.