Portret van Franciscus Junius (I) 1657 - 1707

Hendrik Bary captured Franciscus Junius in this engraving, preserving his likeness for the ages. Dominating the composition is the ruff collar, an emblem of status and refinement during the 17th century. Beyond mere fashion, the ruff speaks to a deeper cultural impulse—a need to demarcate social standing through elaborate adornment. Consider the evolution of neckwear across history: from the simple protective cloths of antiquity to the ornate, towering collars of the Renaissance. Each iteration reflects not only changing styles but also shifts in societal values and power structures. We see echoes of this impulse in the protective gear of ancient warriors, the ecclesiastical vestments of religious figures, and even the stiff collars of modern business attire. The ruff, then, becomes more than just fabric; it is a symbol of hierarchy, identity, and the perpetual human drama of self-presentation. Its reappearance throughout art and history underscores our enduring fascination with outward symbols of inner worth.