Portret van Joachim Hopperus 1742

This is Pieter Yver's portrait of Joachim Hopperus, rendered in print. The most striking feature is the ruff collar, a symbol of status and formality in Hopperus's time. This circular form, stiff and starched, constricting yet ornamental, finds echoes in other periods and places. Think of the elaborate neckwear of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, or even the protective gear of medieval knights. Each, in its own way, attempts to negotiate the delicate balance between concealment and display, protection and presentation. The ruff, like those earlier forms, speaks to a deep-seated human desire to assert control over the vulnerable neck, a psychological nexus of life and death. This impulse recurs throughout history, each era reimagining it in its own way. It's a testament to how symbols evolve, adapt, and continue to resonate, tapping into our collective memory.