Portret van Johannes Immerzeel 1797 - 1836

Philippus Velijn crafted this portrait of Johannes Immerzeel using engraving, a testament to the enduring quest for immortalization through art. Here, Immerzeel is depicted with a carefully knotted cravat. This seemingly simple neckwear speaks volumes, echoing the Roman tradition of the "fascalia," protective bands worn around the neck. Over centuries, this evolved from practical garment to a symbol of status. We find similar adornments gracing the necks of figures in Renaissance portraits. The cravat, therefore, serves as a marker of societal standing, but also a silent protector against the unseen vulnerabilities of life. This image invites us to meditate on how symbols, through continuous cultural transmission, become vessels carrying the ever-changing anxieties and aspirations of humanity.