I really enjoyed your explanation of the millstone ruff aka the “molenkraag”. I was fascinated by these ruffs years ago and even photographed myself wearing one during a Rembrandt style photography course in Amsterdam whilst holding a fake baby crocodile LOL. Later, I discovered that their history is quite interesting. Although the detachable, washable ruff certainly had a practical function, it also became an important symbol of wealth and status throughout much of Europe. It seems to have developed from small linen neck frills, probably first in Spain during the 16th century, before spreading to the Low Countries, England, France and elsewhere. Both men and women wore them, and wealthy people often owned several, from simpler linen versions to elaborate lace collars for court and formal portraits. Looking at Dutch Golden Age painters such as Rembrandt and Frans Hals, the brilliant white ruff almost acts like a reflector, beautifully framing and illuminating the face. Later, the fashion evolved into softer lace collars with pearls and other ornamentation, especially in women's portraiture. It's a wonderful example of how fashion, social history and drapery all come together. Judith Leyster — painted portraits and genre scenes with ruffs and lace collars. Michaelina Wautier — produced remarkable portraits featuring fashionable collars. Catharina van Hemessen — active during the period when the ruff was emerging. Rembrandt van Rijn and Frans Hals, whose portraits are among the finest studies of white linen, lace, and facial framing are examples of artists rendering these fashion accessories.