Fotoreproductie van een portret van Andreas Ryff before 1872

This photogravure pictures Andreas Ryff, likely made in the late 19th century by Jakob Höflinger, captures the somber dignity of its subject. The ruff collar around Ryff’s neck, meticulously rendered, speaks of status and formality, reminiscent of similar adornments seen across Europe during the Renaissance. Consider the ruff not merely as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of self-presentation. Recall Shakespearean England, where similar collars framed faces, conveying seriousness and composure. But observe also how this symbol evolves; from practical necessity to a theatrical declaration of identity. These collars act as a mask, concealing and revealing simultaneously. This image engages our collective memory, tapping into a reservoir of emotions associated with identity and societal roles. It's a visual echo resonating through the ages.