Portret van kunstenaar Johann Justin Preissler 1752 - 1762

This is Antonio Pazzi's portrait of Johann Justin Preissler, an artwork made with an engraver during the 18th century. Notice the artist's distinctive headwear. This turban-like cap isn’t merely a fashion statement. It's an echo of the artistic persona, a nod to the ‘noble savage’ or the exotic ‘other’ that was fashionable in artistic circles. This symbol reappears throughout art history. Think of the orientalist paintings where turbans signify a romanticized view of the East, a projection of European fantasies onto foreign cultures. Over time, the turban's meaning has shifted. Originally a signifier of status and religious affiliation, it becomes, in art, a costume, a marker of difference. This touches upon our collective memory. The image subtly hints at the artist's unique identity. It's a powerful visual shorthand that engages viewers on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of symbols like the turban demonstrates how cultural memory and the psychological weight of images evolve, resurfacing with new meanings across time.