Portrait of an Old Man c. 1595 - 1600

El Greco painted this portrait of an old man, capturing the gravitas of age and experience through his distinct style. The ruff collar, a symbol of status and formality in the 16th century, immediately draws our attention. Consider the evolution of such adornments. From the simple protective neck cloths of antiquity to the elaborate lace creations of the Renaissance, the ruff speaks to a human desire to signify rank. We see echoes of this impulse in the ceremonial garments of ancient priests, and the bejeweled collars worn by Egyptian pharaohs. The piercing gaze of the man evokes a deeper, subconscious connection. Is it a gaze of wisdom? Or does it hint at the weariness that comes with time? Such portraits engage us beyond mere representation, tapping into a collective understanding of mortality. Observe how such symbols return across history, reborn in new forms, reflecting our enduring quest for meaning and status, and our confrontation with the passage of time.