Portret van een onbekende man 1680

Bernard Vaillant rendered this portrait of an unknown man in pastel around 1664. Observe the elaborate lace collar, a symbol of status and refinement during the Baroque era. It echoes the ruffs of the Renaissance, which themselves evolved from practical garments into symbols of aristocratic distinction. This isn't merely adornment; it's a visual language. Think of the peacock's display, or the lion's mane. These collars, stiff and intricate, speak of power and control, reflecting a desire to tame and order the natural world. Consider how such symbols resurface – the stiff collars of the Victorian era or even contemporary fashion trends that emulate historical styles. These are not mere repetitions, but rather, a dance with the past, each era imbuing these forms with new meaning, yet always tethered to the primal desire for recognition and social standing. It is a continuous reel.