Portret van een jonge man met een baret met veer op zijn hoofd c. 1633

Salomon Savery etched this portrait of a young man wearing a plumed beret in the 17th century. The feather, a prominent feature, is not merely decorative; it's a symbol. Consider the plumed helmets of antiquity, adorning figures of Roman officers. This motif reappears throughout history, signifying valor and status. However, the feather has taken on different nuances. The Renaissance saw it become a marker of sophistication, adorning the hats of courtiers. The feather's lightness hints at a flight of fancy, a touch of aristocratic nonchalance. It is a symbol that has danced through time, resurfacing in different guises. It engages our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with heroism, elegance, and perhaps, a touch of playful vanity. A motif with deep roots, illustrating how symbols are cyclical, evolving with each passing era.