Portret van Johann Albrecht (II), graaf van Solms-Braunfels 1632

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger etched this portrait of Johann Albrecht, Count of Solms-Braunfels. Notice how the oval frame encircles the Count, reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture, a symbol of power and authority. But let your gaze linger on the intricate lace collar. The lace itself, a symbol of wealth and status, echoes a similar motif we see in earlier Flemish paintings, yet it is equally present in contemporary fashion, each time signifying elevated status and refined taste. This motif carries echoes of earlier aristocratic displays, a dance through history where symbols adapt yet retain their connection to power. Such a symbol resonates on a subconscious level, stirring collective memories of social hierarchies. The recurring presence of these symbols reveals our innate capacity for both continuity and change.