Zelfportret in atelier c. 1865 - 1900

Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn's photograph offers us a glimpse into the artist's studio, a space brimming with artistic ferment. Dominating the background are various artworks and sketches, among which stands out the figure of what seems to be a draped figure. This motif has a long, winding history—recall the ancient sculptures of draped figures, symbols of status and virtue. The drape, in its many forms, has served as a means to convey everything from regal dignity to hidden sorrow. Now, consider how the drape reemerges in Renaissance painting, employed to amplify the emotion in a scene, and how it takes on new, almost theatrical dimensions in the Baroque era. The recurring use of this symbol speaks to a collective memory, a shared understanding of its significance, deeply embedded in our subconscious. As the drape has resurfaced time and again, it has both preserved its original essence and transformed, embodying a powerful force that continues to engage viewers on a profound, often subconscious level.