Portret van een courtisane 1630 - 1710

This is an engraving of a courtesan, made by an anonymous artist. The symbols of wealth and status are immediately apparent. Notice the elaborate lace collar, the jewels adorning her hair and dress. These are not merely decorative, they speak of power and access, echoing similar displays across centuries, from ancient Egyptian royalty to Renaissance nobility. Consider, too, the transformation of the jewel as a protective amulet into a symbol of earthly status. This transformation reflects a broader shift in human consciousness, from a focus on spiritual protection to material display. The image's enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into our collective fascination with status and beauty. It’s a dance of eternal return, where symbols like jewels reappear, each time colored by the changing hues of human desire and memory.