Man Shading His Face with a Tricorne 1691 - 1765

Giovanni Paolo Panini created this intriguing ink drawing, "Man Shading His Face with a Tricorne," sometime in the 18th century. During this time, the elaborate attire worn by the upper classes was not just about fashion, but was a visual assertion of social standing and power. Here, the man's face is obscured, creating a literal barrier, between his gaze and ours. The tricorne hat, a symbol of status, becomes a tool of concealment. Is he shielding himself from the sun, or from scrutiny? In the 1700s, privacy for the elite was a carefully constructed performance. What might he be hiding behind that gesture? This drawing reminds us that identity is often about what we choose to reveal, and perhaps more importantly, what we conceal. It's a delicate dance between public presentation and private self.