Anton von Reismer 1813

This drawing of Anton von Reismer was created in 1813 by Johann Peter Krafft. It is dominated by the imposing hat, a bicorne, which immediately situates the subject within a military or governmental context of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The bicorne, evolving from the tricorne, became a symbol of authority and power. It's interesting to note how this hat, designed for practical use, transformed into an emblem of leadership. Consider Napoleon Bonaparte, whose bicorne became iconic. Like the bicorne, crowns, mitres, and even simple headscarves, from antiquity to the present day, all have functioned as symbols of power and identity. Such symbols engage viewers on a subconscious level, evoking associations of authority, respect, and even fear. This connection transcends time, linking us to past epochs through shared visual language. These symbols are resurrected, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.