Portrait of the Mother of Captain von Stierle-Holzmeister 1819

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller captured the Portrait of the Mother of Captain von Stierle-Holzmeister with oil. Note the prominent bow tied at her chest, a seemingly simple ornament, yet resonant with meaning that ripples through time. The bow, a knot formed with intention, has appeared across centuries, from ancient Rome to Rococo France. Its meaning? Often it symbolizes union and connection. Yet, consider how its connotation shifts. In medieval art, knots often signified unbreakable vows, whereas in secular contexts, bows were a sign of elegant adornment, markers of social standing and taste. Think, for instance, of the elaborate bows adorning the costumes in court paintings. This detail of the bow taps into our collective memory, stirring emotions related to bonding, decorum, and status, while inviting us to reflect on the cyclical nature of symbols. These resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.