Portrait of the Physician Herman Boerhaave, Professor at the University of Leiden 1735

Cornelis Troost painted this portrait of Herman Boerhaave, professor at Leiden University. Notice the stark white collar against the dark robe. It speaks of purity and intellect, reflecting the subject’s academic and professional standing. This seemingly simple piece of clothing carries echoes of clerical and scholarly traditions across centuries. Think of the ruffs worn in Renaissance portraits, or even the more ancient togas, each signifying status and wisdom. Here, in Boerhaave’s portrait, the collar separates him from the darkness, illuminating his face, the seat of reason. The contrast between light and dark is a powerful tool, engaging our subconscious. The image is not just a depiction, but an active participant in a visual dance, an emotional call connecting us to symbols that continuously resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history.