Portret van Theophil Grossgebauer 1665 - 1721

Here, in this undated portrait by Christian Romstet, we see Theophil Grossgebauer framed within an oval, encircled by an inscription that speaks of his ecclesiastical role. Note the intricate ruff collar, a symbol of status, and the orderly buttons down his coat, motifs that speak of order and hierarchy. Such collars remind me of similar depictions across Europe, from Dutch masters to Italian portraits, each subtly shifting in meaning. This formal attire, while presenting an image of decorum, evokes a deeper, almost subconscious connection to societal rank and authority. The need to present oneself in a certain manner—a motif deeply rooted in our collective memory. Consider how such symbols evolve: the ruff, once a marker of the elite, gradually faded, replaced by other emblems of power. This cyclical progression, this return of symbols, speaks volumes about our enduring, if subconscious, need to categorize and signify our place in the world.