Portret van Clara van Bourbon 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode the Younger created this engraving of Clara van Bourbon. The pearl necklace adorning Clara's neck, a symbol of purity and status, is the dominant motif here. Consider how such adornments have echoed through centuries. We see its predecessor in ancient Roman portraits, where pearl necklaces signified wealth and virtue, and we see it echoed in Renaissance paintings, a subtle nod to the sitter’s prestige. What began as a simple jewel evolved into a potent cultural signifier. It is not merely decoration, but rather a conscious display of identity that connects Clara to a lineage of powerful women. It's this very act of adornment that reveals the eternal dance between personal expression and collective memory, subtly influencing our perception of status and beauty. This image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.