Curatorial notes
Hubertine Heijermans painted this captivating “Portrait of a Supermodel,” and the headdress immediately draws the eye. Its circular form, reminiscent of Asian rice hats or even halos, introduces a complex interplay of cultural and spiritual symbols. Consider how halos, traditionally signifying divinity or saintliness in Western religious art, share a visual language with the headdress here, evoking a sense of reverence or idealized perfection. This shape has roots tracing back to ancient sun worship, where the circle represented the sun's life-giving force. Throughout history, we see the sun disk as a visual symbol of power. Over time, the halo evolved, shifting in meaning and context yet retaining its fundamental essence of celestial glory. The supermodel's gaze and striking makeup enhance her aura, engaging us on a subconscious level, stirring something primal within us. Thus, the headdress in Heijermans's portrait isn't merely an article of clothing but a convergence of ancient motifs, resurfacing and evolving in a contemporary context.
