Mannenhoofd met kraag 1803 - 1841

Johannes van Cuylenburgh created this head of a man with a ruff in the early 19th century. It's a lithograph, a relatively new medium at the time, which allowed for a greater distribution of images. The man's attire is interesting as the ruff collar went out of fashion in the 17th century, but remained a popular costume for historical paintings. Is this the portrait of a historical character or a contemporary man with a taste for nostalgia? This image also raises questions about the purpose of art. Was it simply a decorative piece? Or, was it intended to communicate a particular message about status or taste? To answer these questions requires careful study of the socio-economic context of early 19th-century Holland. The study of fashion and its representation in images is a good way to begin to approach that question.