Portret van een man met een geplooide kraag 1734 - 1785

This is Jan Stolker’s "Portret van een man met een geplooide kraag." The monochromatic print presents a man framed within an oval, immediately drawing our attention to the texture and detail meticulously rendered. Stolker's use of line and tone gives the portrait its depth. Observe the play of light on the man’s face and collar, achieved through subtle gradations. These formal choices create a structured contrast between the soft curves of the collar and the angular lines defining the man's face. The semiotic weight of the ruffled collar cannot be ignored; its circular form contrasts with the man's aging features. The artist challenges conventional portraiture by capturing the tension between the man's individuality and his status indicated through dress. Ultimately, "Portret van een man met een geplooide kraag" invites ongoing discussion. It highlights how formal techniques can destabilize simple readings of identity and social role.