Portret van Maria van Reigersberg 1739 - 1806

Rienk Jelgerhuis rendered this portrait of Maria van Reigersberg in monochrome with delicate strokes. The sitter’s gaze, though gentle, holds a sense of directness, framed by a voluminous ruffled collar that was fashionable at the time. The collar, a symbol of status and refinement, reminds us of the elaborate neckwear seen in earlier Renaissance portraits. Consider, for instance, the portraits of Queen Elizabeth I, where the ruff served not only as an indicator of nobility but also as a frame that separates the face from the body. These collars, though evolving in style, share a common thread - to elevate the sitter, both literally and figuratively. This subtle psychological elevation is not merely aesthetic; it speaks to the aspirations and self-perception of those who wear them. The motif of the elevated collar, then, resurfaces across centuries, transformed yet continuous, reflecting the enduring human desire for recognition and esteem.