Louis XIII 

Jean-Léon Gérôme painted this portrait of Louis XIII in oil, capturing the monarch in his distinctive attire. The large, elaborate ruff collar is a prominent symbol of status, reflecting the fashion of the European aristocracy of the time. The ruff, initially a practical way to cover the seams of shirts, evolved into an ostentatious display of wealth and power. We can see echoes of this in earlier, related forms of neckwear, such as the pleated linen of ancient Egyptian royalty. The ruff collars reappear in portraits throughout the 16th and 17th centuries across Europe. Think of Queen Elizabeth I, forever immortalized with this adornment, each fold broadcasting the wearer's elite status. These symbols tap into our collective memory and stir emotions linked to hierarchy and authority. It is a symbol that has been reinvented, diluted, and revived throughout history. Gérôme’s portrait engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power and fashion.