Portret van Pieter Jacobsz. Schout, burgemeester van Haarlem 1847 - 1889

William Unger created this portrait of Pieter Jacobsz. Schout, the mayor of Haarlem, using etching techniques. Dominating the composition is the mayor's imposing figure, framed by a distinctive ruff collar—a symbol of status and formality in the 17th century. Consider this ruff, its circular form echoing halos in religious art, now repurposed for civic authority. We see such sartorial symbols across time, from the elaborate collars of Renaissance nobility to modern power suits, each projecting authority. The subconscious draw to this form, a visual cue of dominance and control, remains potent. This portrait, then, is not just a likeness, but an encapsulation of societal values. It is a potent image of civic pride, subtly laced with the enduring symbols of power.