Portrait of Maurice (1567-1625), Prince of Orange after 1612

Jacob Lyon painted this portrait of Maurice, Prince of Orange, in the 17th century. The crisp, starched ruff around Maurice’s neck is more than mere fashion; it’s a symbol of status, an almost theatrical assertion of power. This sartorial statement echoes across centuries. Think of the elaborate collars worn by Elizabethan nobles or even the high necklines of Victorian society. Each iteration speaks of control, a barrier between the individual and the world. In this portrait, the ruff seems to cage the head, drawing attention to the face. This focus elicits a psychological tension, a sense of the prince's controlled yet intense gaze. The emotional weight is palpable, a silent dialogue between the sitter and the viewer. This symbol is a powerful reminder of how we use clothing to perform identity, navigating the complex interplay between personal expression and social expectation.