Portret van Georg Abraham Merklein 1674 - 1688

This engraving portrays Georg Abraham Merklein and was made by Thomas Hirschmann. Merklein is depicted within an oval frame, encircled by Latin inscriptions declaring his titles and affiliations. The most striking element is his attire. The sober dark robes are punctuated by a white collar. The white collar is a symbol, known as a rabat, of academic and religious authority in the 17th century. You might see a similar collar, or its evolution, in portraits across Europe, signaling the sitter’s learned status. Think of how the ruff of the Renaissance period gradually transformed. The power of symbols lies in their ability to engage us on a subconscious level, and provoke deep-seated emotions. The rabat signifies respect, authority, and knowledge, engaging the viewer with a mix of admiration and reverence. Like the caduceus, a symbol of medicine since antiquity, these symbols have been constantly re-contextualized. They are forever resurfacing with an evolving, yet always familiar, power.