Neck Ruff Collection (#15)

Le feste o balli... ca. 1610. Creator: Giacomo Franco
Le feste o balli, che la Serenissima Repubblica suol fare di Gentildonne, de richissime gioie adornate, per honorar i Principi che a Venegia talor capitano, ca. 1610

Edouard Mole, ca. 1653. Creator: Robert Nanteuil
Edouard Mole, ca. 1653

James I, King of England, ca. 1616. Creator: Simon de Passe
James I, King of England, ca. 1616

William Shakespeare (formerly known as), ca. 1770. Creator: Richard Earlom
William Shakespeare (formerly known as), ca. 1770. [Portrait of an Unknown Gentleman, possibly Thomas Overbury, based on a painting once attributed to Cornelius Johnson (or Janssen)

Portrait of Rudolph II, 1603. Creator: Aegidius Sadeler II
Portrait of Rudolph II, 1603

Lionell Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex, Baron Cranfield of Cranfield, 1644. 1644
Lionell Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex, Baron Cranfield of Cranfield, 1644

Spaniard, April 1808. April 1808. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Spaniard, April 1808

Portrait of Francis Bacon
Vintage engraving of Francis Bacon 1561 to 1626 was an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, orator, and author. He served both as Attorney General and as Lord Chancellor of England

Antique illustration of 17th century anatomy lesson with skeleton: Doctor Egberts teach his students the skeleton structure (from a painting by the 17th century Dutch painter Thomas de Keyser)

Portrait of Francis Walsingham
Francis Walsingham (c1530 - 1590) English statesman. Secretary to Elizabeth I. Engraving

Portrait of Robert Dudley, Earl of eicester
Robert Dudley, Earl of eicester (1532 - 1588) English courtier. Favorite of Elizabeth I. Engraving

William Shakespeares First Folio 1623

Portrait of lady, by Nicholas Eliasz, 1630 s
Attributed to Nicholas Eliasz also known as Pickenoy (1590/1-1653/6). Portrait of a lady, Oil on panel. Dutch merchant class female painted around the 1630 s. (1577-1640) Dutch Painter

Gaspare Aselli (1581-1626), physician, 19th century, engraving
Italy - 16th-17th century. Gaspare Aselli (1581-1626), physician. 19th century, engraving

Guy de Chauliac (1300-1368), physician, 18th century, engraving
Physicians and scholars: France - 16th century. Guy de Chauliac (1300-1368), physician. 18th century, engraving

Austria, Portrait of Austrian composer and pianist Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
Austria - 18th century. Portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Salzburg, 1756 - Vienna, 1791), Austrian composer and pianist

Italy, Bologna, Portrait of Italian composer, Gioacchino Rossini
Bettelli, Portrait of Gioacchino Rossini (Pesaro, 1792 - Paris, 1792), Italian composer, 1818

Austria, Portrait of Austrian composer Georg Reutter II (1708-1772)
Austria - 18th century. Portrait of Georg Reutter II (Vienna, 1708-1772), Austrian composer

Spain, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain
Juan Pantoja de la Cruz (1553-1608), portrait of Philip II of Spain (Valladolid, 1527 - El Escorial, 1598), King of Spain (1556-1598)

Illustration to Le Stranges Gil Blas
Artist: Smirke, Robert - Title: Illustration to Le Stranges Gil Blas - Date: N/A - Original Medium and Size: Oil on Wood 17.8 x 14.6

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"Exploring the Elegance of Neck Ruffs: A Fashion Statement Across Centuries" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the intricate world of neck ruffs, a fashion accessory that transcended eras. From Frans Hals' iconic painting "The Laughing Cavalier" to Nicolaes Eliasz Pickenoy's captivating "Portrait of a Woman, " these masterpieces showcase the allure and grandeur of this unique garment. In 1624, Frans Hals captured the essence of sophistication with his portrayal of an unknown cavalier donning an elaborate neck ruff. The delicate folds and exquisite lacework add a touch of opulence to his already striking presence. Moving forward to c1600, Paulus van Somer immortalized Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, wearing a regal neck ruff that exudes power and grace. This portrait is a testament to how neck ruffs became synonymous with nobility during this era. Fast forward once again to c1560-1570 when turned-down ruffs gained popularity as seen in the portrait of Sir Edwin Sandys by an unknown artist from 1937. The subtle elegance emanating from his attire showcases how even slight variations in style could make a significant impact on fashion trends. Queen Elizabeth Dancing with the Earl of Leicester in 1581 provides us with another glimpse into this fascinating trend. The queen herself flaunts an extravagant collar-like ruff that accentuates her royal stature while gracefully gliding across the dance floor. Sir Martin Frobisher's late 16th-century portrait by Cornelius Ketel highlights yet another variation – a more restrained version known as standing collars or cartwheel ruffs. These understated yet refined designs were favored by men seeking both comfort and style. Ellen Maurice's enchanting image painted by Marcus Gheeraerts captures her beauty enhanced by an intricately pleated neck ruff.