Portret van een man met een geplooide kraag en een hoed 1734 - 1785

This is a portrait of a man with a pleated collar and hat, made by Jan Stolker in the 18th century. The image presents the sitter as a figure of substance and authority. Made in the Netherlands, the man's clothing and the composition denote a certain social standing. The ruff collar was a signifier of status, and the dark clothing creates a serious and controlled atmosphere. The detailed rendering of his face suggests a desire to capture his individual likeness. The institutional history of portraiture provides a backdrop to this image. During this period, portraits became increasingly accessible to the middle classes, reflecting the changing economic structures of Dutch society. Understanding this artwork requires us to look at the history of fashion, portraiture, and the Dutch social hierarchy. Art is a product of its time, and its meaning is deeply rooted in the context in which it was created.