Portret van Jacobus Johannes Batelier 1657 - 1707

Hendrik Bary etched this portrait of Jacobus Johannes Batelier in the 17th century. Batelier, a Remonstrant preacher, is depicted with the stark, white ruff collar typical of the Dutch Golden Age, a symbol of status and adherence to religious decorum. This collar, however, transcends its immediate context. Across centuries, we see similar neckwear in various forms – from the elaborate lace of Elizabethan England to the severe, starched collars of Puritan portraits. Each iteration reflects a desire to project an image of respectability. Interestingly, this motif is not static. It has evolved, diminished, or resurfaced depending on societal moods and cultural shifts. Yet, its presence always evokes a sense of formality, control, and a deliberate presentation of the self. It is an articulation of identity, reflecting our enduring need to convey an image of self-assuredness to the world.