Man in ruff

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2024  oil paintings,

In this series, I focus on a contemporary man and his world. The protagonist of each composition has certain attributes that show different aspects or values in his life. These cues help to interpret each work. My protagonist seems torn between different ideas and paths leading to a comfortable existence.

 

In every scene, the man wears a collar shaped like a ruff. This attire has long been a great source of inspiration for me. Historically, ruffs were worn in western, central and northern Europe from the mid-16th to mid-17th centuries and they became a symbol of high status and wealth. Isn’t that something we all covet?

The protagonist looks as if he has blended into the background, though the clues to the interpretation of the composition are colourful.

 

I placed him at a black or white table, with his reflection in the table top. This table acts as a mirror for self-reflection, or perhaps... self-love?

In one scene, the man is reading a book, which symbolises his search for truth, knowledge and wisdom.

We also see him in another composition, in which he’s interacting with a lit candle – in full daylight. The candle, however, is about to burn out to remind him of the transient nature of the moment. A candle acting as a clock?

In another scene, he squeezes or peels a lemon, a fruit that embodies many – at times opposing – ideas, depending on the cultural context. Lemons symbolise longevity, purification, love and friendship, but they can also represent bitterness and disappointment.

 

photos. Martin Coiffier

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