Twee mannen met hoeden en een figuur met een lange mantel 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this etching of three figures wearing hats and long cloaks in the late 19th century. It’s a scene that evokes questions about societal roles and identities, especially during a time when industrialization was reshaping social structures. The figures are cloaked, their faces obscured by hats and beards which invite us to consider how identity is both concealed and performed through clothing. Their garments seem to signify a particular class, perhaps merchants or religious figures, marked by their attire. The etching itself, with its detailed lines and stark contrast, mirrors the era's focus on capturing the real, a nod to the rise of realism in art. Storm van 's-Gravesande seems to invite us to consider the narratives we construct around those we encounter, and how these narratives are shaped by both appearance and context. Ultimately, this print provides a glimpse into a world where identity and social standing are intimately intertwined, and where the simple act of observation becomes a complex exercise in interpretation.