Man neemt hoed af voor man voor hem 1864 - 1902

This lithograph, made by Jeremias Adriaan Adolf Schill, captures a seemingly simple act of taking off a hat as a form of greeting. Yet, this gesture is laden with social significance. The doffing of a hat in this context is a symbol of respect and acknowledgment. It's a ritualized behavior, rooted in the aristocratic traditions of bowing, where the removal of headgear indicates humility and deference. Think of similar displays throughout history: medieval knights removing their helmets to show their faces and intentions, or even religious customs that dictate head coverings. This act of greeting is a performance that has evolved, passed down through generations, shifting in meaning yet remaining fundamentally about social hierarchies and etiquette. The collective memory associated with it carries a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with societal conventions. It embodies the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing and evolving across historical contexts.