Boord van ambtskostuum van burgemeester Hoytema c. 1800 - 1930

This is an anonymous collar of the official costume of Mayor Hoytema. The crisp white color and stiff form speak to the rigid expectations placed upon individuals in positions of power. Traditionally, clothing has been used as a marker of identity, signaling one's status, profession, and even moral standing. The design, with its high, unyielding structure, restricts movement and demands a certain posture. It is a symbol of authority, but also perhaps of the constraints and discomfort that come with it. The lack of adornment focuses our attention on form, highlighting the austerity often associated with public office. In a way, this collar is a relic, an artifact that encapsulates the weight of responsibility and the performance of power. While seemingly simple, it invites us to consider the complex relationship between identity, role, and representation. It serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices often made in the name of public service.