Portret van een man 1860 - 1900

Here is the story of a man captured in a photograph by Gösta Florman. The neatly knotted bow tie, a small emblem adorning this gentleman, speaks volumes. A similar symbol has appeared through the ages, from ancient Roman neck cloths to the elaborate lace jabots of the Baroque era. Such adornments evolved from mere utility to potent symbols of status and self-expression, reflecting the wearer’s personality and aspirations. The presence of the bow tie, a vestige of an older era, connects our subject to a lineage of self-presentation. It suggests a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. The act of adorning oneself is a dance between the individual and society. The bow tie, then, becomes a poignant reminder of the subtle ways we negotiate our identities. It resonates through time, subtly engaging our subconscious minds.