Portret van Petrus Dubois c. 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole made this portrait of Petrus Dubois using etching and engraving. Consider the clerical collar, a stark white band against the dark robe. This symbol, born from religious necessity to denote a man of the cloth, extends far beyond its original purpose. The clerical collar is reminiscent of ancient Roman neckwear. We find similar symbols in Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, each signifying status and power. These visual motifs, passed down through history, undergo constant metamorphosis, subtly influencing our perception. Think about the psychological impact of such a simple garment. It evokes trust, authority, and tradition. It acts as a subconscious trigger, tapping into deeply rooted cultural memories. In this context, the collar, while still identifying Dubois as a religious figure, also ties him to a long lineage of authority figures. Each reappearance of the symbol reshapes and enriches its significance, contributing to our collective understanding of power, identity, and the enduring human quest for meaning.