Portret van een onbekende man op een stoel 1861 - 1889

William Unger captured this unknown man in an etching around the late 19th century. What strikes me is the man's ruff, a symbol of status and formality during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This circular collar, stiff and elaborate, encases the neck, a visual echo of halos seen in religious art. One can trace its origins back to the pleated linen neckbands of the late Middle Ages, evolving into these grand, almost architectural forms. Consider how, even today, symbols of authority often encircle the head: crowns, miters, and even the humble laurel wreath. The ruff has undergone a strange metamorphosis through history. In some contexts, it’s a mark of honor and distinction. Yet, it also becomes a symbol of vanity. The cyclical nature of symbols reflects how collective memory shapes our perceptions, imbuing objects with layers of meaning that transcend time. It’s a dance between past and present, a testament to the enduring power of visual language.