Portret van een onbekende vrouw 1897 - 1909

This is a portrait of an unknown woman by Jannes Faber. Note her exquisite choker and brooch—ornaments signaling refinement in a society governed by strict etiquette. These decorations are more than mere status symbols. Jewels, since antiquity, have been imbued with talismanic power, believed to offer protection and bestow good fortune. Consider, for instance, the ancient Egyptians who adorned themselves with amulets, or the medieval belief in gemstones influencing one’s health and destiny. Our subconscious mind still resonates with these archaic beliefs, perceiving adornments as a form of armor. Even today, when we choose to wear a particular piece of jewelry, are we not, on some level, echoing this primordial act of self-protection and self-definition? These enduring symbols reveal a cycle where historical meanings resurface and evolve, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.