Portret van J.C. Singels, burgemeester van Papendrecht 1864 - 1879

This photograph captures J.C. Singels, the mayor of Papendrecht, through the lens of Leonard de Koningh's camera. Singels is depicted in formal attire, the knot of his tie a subtle emblem of civic duty. This seemingly simple knot is an iteration of the "neckcloth," an ancestor to our modern tie. Yet, its cultural weight extends further back. Consider the Roman "fascalia," cloths worn around the neck for warmth, later evolving into symbols of status. This transformation mirrors the psychological weight of clothing. What begins as a practical object is later transformed into a status symbol, revealing deep-seated aspirations for social recognition. The symbolism here is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing in unexpected ways throughout history. The sober tie, like the Roman neckcloth, whispers tales of transformation and aspiration, echoing through the corridors of time.