Portret van Antonius Matthaeus 1654

Steven van Lamsweerde created this print of Antonius Matthaeus in 1664. Notice the prominent ruff collar, a symbol of status and formality in the 17th century. It frames the face, drawing our attention to the sitter's expression. The ruff, with its intricate folds, echoes earlier forms of neckwear seen in portraits across Europe. Think of the stiff, pleated collars in Spanish court paintings, expressions of power and decorum. Yet, the ruff is not merely a fashion statement; it is a symbol of societal expectations and a rigid social hierarchy. One could draw parallels to the symbolic function of architectural structures across different eras. Consider how similar forms reappear throughout history, each time adapting to new cultural contexts, yet still carrying echoes of their origins. It is a visual embodiment of cultural memory, an artifact of the collective consciousness.