Portret van een man 1861 - 1863

This photograph by McLean & Melhuish captures a man in the formal attire of his time, yet it’s the subtle symbols of self-presentation that speak volumes. The beard, meticulously groomed, wasn't merely a fashion statement but a declaration of virility. It echoes through millennia, from the imposing beards of Assyrian kings to the philosophers of ancient Greece. The necktie, knotted just so, is a more modern emblem, yet it still speaks of order and control over one's image. Consider how similar displays evolve. Today, tattoos or piercings might serve a similar function. The need to assert identity through bodily adornment is timeless. We project our inner selves onto our outer form, shaping our presentation to influence how the world perceives us. In this act, conscious and unconscious desires intertwine, reflecting our place in society and our individual aspirations. These trends resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings through different contexts.