Cristoph Fürer von Haimendorf, 1578-1653, Patrician of Nuremberg [obverse] 1645

This silver medal portrays Cristoph Fürer von Haimendorf, a patrician of Nuremberg, crafted by Johann Bartholomäus Braun. The most striking feature is the elaborate ruff collar, a symbol of status and wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries. The ruff, with its intricate folds, echoes the rigid social structures of the time. We can trace similar neckwear across Europe, from the Spanish court to the portraits of the Dutch Golden Age. Think of the way these collars frame the face, drawing attention to the individual. Yet, they also constrict, symbolizing the constraints of societal expectations. Consider how such symbols evolve: the ruff, born from practical necessity, transformed into a marker of identity. It resurfaces, albeit in different forms, throughout history, reminding us of our ongoing dance between individuality and conformity. Like a recurring dream, the ruff reappears, each time with a slightly altered meaning, reflecting our ever-changing cultural landscape.