Hoofd van een vrouw met hoed, naar rechts gewend 1620 - 1664

This delicate drawing of a woman's head, turned to the right, was sketched by Stefano della Bella. The hat she wears is a striking element, immediately reminiscent of similar headwear in Renaissance portraits, symbols of status and fashion. Consider how such hats appear in paintings by masters like Titian or Veronese. They not only signify identity but also echo through history, resurfacing in different forms and contexts. This act of wearing a hat isn't a mere fashion choice; it’s an assertion of self, a costume donned for the theatre of life. We find echoes of this in modern times—a need to present a curated version of ourselves. The woman’s composed expression hints at a deeper psychological narrative. It speaks to our continuous, cyclical return to familiar gestures and symbols, each time coloured by new experiences.