Portret van Eduard Brom 1897

Theo Molkenboer rendered this drawing of Eduard Brom in 1897. The subject's sartorial choices—the suit, the collar, and notably, the bow tie—speak of a particular era, echoing motifs we see in portraits across the 19th century. The bow tie, seemingly simple, carries a fascinating history. What began as practical neckwear evolved into a symbol of sophistication. If we trace its roots back to the cravats worn by Croatian mercenaries, we see how functional attire transformed into a symbol of elegance. Consider its presence in earlier portraits, like those by Hals, where the neckwear signified status, and how it differs here. The bow tie, by Molkenboer's time, moved beyond mere practicality, and into an emblematic token of middle-class respectability. This evolution demonstrates the cultural power embedded in seemingly innocuous objects. It shows how symbols evolve and resurface, carrying echoes of past meanings into new contexts, shaping our perception of the world.