Wybrand Symonsz De Geet Analysis

Within the illustration of Wybrand Symonsz de Geest: Portrait of a man the revolutionary fashion of the, “ruff” was invented. This garment was worn in the early 1600’s in England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and most of Western Europe. This particular portrait was dated in 1624 of a Dutch man wearing a Ruff. Both Dutch men and women in the Netherlands wore the ruff. Economic prosperity and growth for the Dutch took place in the late 1500’s throughout the 1600s called the, “Golden age”. The Dutch were world acclaimed, dominating in trade, science, military, and art. The ruff was worn by men, women, and even children created with a small piece of ruffle attached to a drawstring neck from a chemise or shirt. By the end of 16th century ruff have almost extinct in Western Europe. The fashion of the ruff prolonged in the Dutch republic carrying into the 17th century. In North Germany, Denmark, Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland citizens wore Ruffs for ceremonial dresses of city councilors.

Later this ruff evolved as a separate garment worn with doublets and houppelandes. The discovery of
The symbolic figure it has more so then anything speaks volumes to me. The detailing and technique to assemble it is extraordinary. This item was so particular to catering each customer needs, customizing in measurements, and detail. The most appealing thing with this garment is that it is completely different from person to person. Creating a more personal piece that is accustomed to your particular taste and style. Another factor is that it had a certain demeanor to it; the fact that this garment was built to enhance posture that gives you the impression of power, strength and leadership. These are all traits that inhibit strong character and in the case of 1600s it resembled greatness, “I have the heart of a man, not a woman, and I am not afraid of anything” – Queen Elizabeth