Portret van P. Born 1764

This is a print of P. Born, Consular General of the ecclesiastical state, made by Cornelis van Noorde. The subject wears a soft cap and loose robe, garments that speak of comfort, but also of status. Consider this head covering, a symbol of intellectual or professional distinction, much like the beret or cap worn by scholars and artists. It represents not just warmth, but also a specific identity and learned status within society. Such headwear can be traced back through Renaissance portraits of doctors, lawyers, and humanists, each modifying the form but retaining the underlying concept of a mind at work, set apart. This is more than mere fashion; it's a visual shorthand for a set of values and expectations. The image is a study in how the human mind uses clothing and objects to project inner states and societal roles, looping back and influencing how we perceive ourselves.