Portræt af købmand Ipsen 

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg captured this oil portrait of the merchant Ipsen with a stark, almost unsettling clarity. Observe the white cravat, a symbol of social identity. Its presence echoes through history, from ancient Roman senators in their togas to the ruffled collars of the Renaissance elite. Each twist and fold speaks to the societal values of its time. This seemingly simple piece of fabric carries echoes of status, profession, and belonging. Consider how the cravat contrasts with the merchant's dark coat. It draws the eye, suggesting a performative aspect of self, or a symbolic marker of social standing. This is not merely a portrait; it is a study in the recurring motifs of human expression, a timeless dance of cultural and psychological forces.