Portretten van de achttien deelnemers bij de vredesonderhandelingen, 1608 1614 - 1616

This print from 1608 portrays the eighteen participants in the peace negotiations. Dominating each figure, the ruff, an elaborate collar, symbolizes status and formality, yet it also confines, hinting at the constraints of diplomacy. Consider the evolution of neckwear. From simple protective cloths to symbols of power, like the jeweled collars of ancient royalty, the ruff’s rigid structure echoes the armours of bygone eras, revealing the wearer's social standing. Yet, it might remind us of the discomfort and rigidity that come with high office. The collective memory embedded in such attire speaks volumes. Each individual, framed by their ruff, projects an air of cautious optimism. This assembly is a visual expression of hope, a powerful force engaging viewers in the deep, subconscious desire for peace, an aspiration as cyclical as history itself.