Kop naar rechts 1865 - 1930

Here we see a graphite drawing, "Head to the Right," by Jac van Looij. The stark profile and the dark cap immediately evoke images of authority and contemplation. The cap itself is interesting. Historically, head coverings signify status, belonging, or spiritual identity. Think of the many hats that recur in art, from the papal mitre to the revolutionary beret. The cap here reminds me of a kind of scholar's cap. In van Looij's era, the image of an intellectual was potent, embodying reason and progress. Consider how the hat, a symbol of knowledge, has transformed over time. From the dunce cap of shame to the mortarboard of academic achievement, its meaning is fluid. This constant change is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The subject's contemplative gaze evokes a sense of introspection, inviting us to reflect on the weight of history and the evolution of knowledge. The symbol is not static but dynamic. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings.