Untitled [portrait of an unidentified young man] 1858 - 1869

This photograph by Jeremiah Gurney captures an unidentified young man, likely in the mid-19th century, through the then-novel medium of photography. The bow tie, a symbol of bourgeois respectability and social standing, holds particular significance. It represents a conscious effort to conform to societal norms and project an image of order and control. One can draw a line from this young man's bow tie to the elaborate ruffs and collars of the Renaissance era. These earlier forms of neckwear similarly denoted status and decorum. Over time, the precise form has changed, but the underlying function remains: to signal adherence to a certain social code. This reflects our collective, subconscious desire to belong. The bow tie is not merely an article of clothing. It is a carefully chosen emblem that speaks to ambition and a desire for upward mobility, revealing the psychological aspirations of its wearer and the broader cultural values of the time. This humble accessory has reappeared and evolved, carrying with it echoes of past aspirations and social meanings.