Portret van Ulysse Butin, buiten schilderend c. 1880

This print, "Portret van Ulysse Butin, buiten schilderend" by Louis Monziès, captures the artist Ulysse Butin in the act of creation. Dominating the composition is the painter's beret—a symbol deeply entwined with the identity of the artist. Across time, the beret has been worn as a badge of honor, signifying intellectual and artistic prowess. We see it on Rembrandt, a marker of his genius, and again on Cézanne, embodying his dedication to capturing the essence of form. Even today, the beret resonates with a sense of artistic freedom and non-conformity. In this portrait, the beret is not merely headwear; it's an emblem of Butin’s immersion in the act of painting. It speaks to the subconscious allure of the artistic life—a calling that transcends mere profession, engaging with our deepest desires for expression. The image reminds us that the symbols we wear carry the weight of history.