Portret van Caspar Bitsch op 56-jarige leeftijd 1634

Jacob van der Heyden made this portrait of Caspar Bitsch in 1634. We see Bitsch, a man of civic importance, his face framed by the elaborate ruff. This isn’t merely a fashion statement; it’s a symbol. The ruff is a fascinating motif. We see it evolve from a simple functional collar to a complex structure signifying status and refinement. Consider its echo in the ornate collars worn by monarchs and religious figures in earlier Byzantine mosaics or ancient Egyptian neck pieces, each iteration proclaiming authority and sophistication. Like the ‘pathos formula’ of antiquity, the ruff conveys status. It's a visual echo chamber where collective memory resides. It evokes feelings of respect, awe, and perhaps even a touch of intimidation, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The ruff, in its cyclical progression, has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings across history, reminding us of the non-linear and potent power of visual symbols.