Portrait Medallion of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (1547-1619) c. 1735 - 1750

This ivory medallion immortalizes Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a pivotal figure in Dutch history. His stern gaze, framed by the elaborate ruff, speaks to the rigid societal norms and the weight of leadership during the Dutch Golden Age. Consider the ruff itself – a symbol of status and formality, yet also a restrictive collar. This echoes in earlier courtly portraits, even those of Tudor England. It's a visual echo of power, reminiscent of the stiff neckwear seen in ancient effigies, each iteration binding its wearer to a role, a history. The very act of capturing a likeness in ivory links to ancient practices. The choice of material lends a sense of purity, but also permanence, seeking to fix a fleeting moment. The medallion's cool, smooth surface invites touch, engaging us on a primal level, stirring something deep within our collective memory. What is it about preserving a face that so compels us? It’s a question that bounces back through time, in an infinite loop of human desire to cheat death, to linger.