Portret van John Strange 1754 - 1780

This is Jacob Houbraken’s portrait of John Strange, rendered with meticulous detail. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum, an artifact of the late 17th or early 18th century. Note the elaborate wig, a potent symbol of status and power. Throughout history, hair, whether natural or artificial, has carried deep cultural significance. In ancient Egypt, elaborate wigs denoted status, protecting the wearer from the sun while signifying their elevated position. Similarly, in the courts of Europe, wigs became symbols of authority and sophistication. Observe how the wig’s form has evolved, adapting to shifting social mores and aesthetic preferences. What began as a practical necessity transformed into a complex cultural signifier, loaded with associations of wealth, power, and social standing. Here, it is no different: this portrait taps into our collective memory, evoking associations of authority. Consider the image’s emotional weight. In every age, portraits like these stir something within us, reminding us of the ever-turning cycle of human ambition.