Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1787

This silver pendant presents a portrait of Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester of Amsterdam. The most striking feature is the elaborate wig, a potent symbol of status and authority in the 17th and 18th centuries. Such wigs evolved from practical necessities to elaborate status symbols. Think back to the grand, powdered wigs of the French court, or even earlier, to the beards of ancient philosophers, each a signifier of wisdom and social standing. Here, the burgemeester's wig speaks volumes about his position, a visual shorthand for power and respectability. It’s interesting to see how the style of the wig has changed over time to represent different people and purposes. The wig becomes almost a mask, obscuring individual identity behind a façade of societal expectation. This image connects us to a complex web of cultural meanings and historical precedents, demonstrating the fascinating life of symbols.