Portret van Albert Plasschaert 1914

Lucie van Dam van Isselt created this pencil drawing, "Portret van Albert Plasschaert," in 1914. Here, the sitter's gaze is cast downward, a motif rich in historical and cultural significance. Throughout art history, the downcast gaze appears in depictions of saints, such as the Virgin Mary in Annunciation scenes, symbolizing humility and contemplation. Even in antiquity, we see the pose as a sign of submission and mourning. The eyes, often called the windows to the soul, are here shielded, directing our attention inward. This simple gesture engages us on a deeply subconscious level, inviting introspection. It reminds us that symbols are never static. They evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, connecting our present with echoes of the past.