Portret van J.F.C. Gericke c. 1851 - 1883

This is a portrait of J.F.C. Gericke, created by Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister. The bow tie is the central motif here, it's a seemingly simple adornment, but it speaks volumes about the social rituals of the 19th century. The bow tie in this portrait is a symbol of status, decorum, and belonging to a certain societal class. Think back to ancient Rome, where the neckcloth denoted military rank. Or consider the elaborate lace collars of the Renaissance, each knot and frill a testament to wealth and power. The bow tie is a descendant of these earlier forms, yet it has transformed into a more accessible symbol of respectability. The bow tie's cyclical journey through history reflects our changing cultural values. It is a recurring motif that has been adapted and reinterpreted across different times and places. It whispers to us from the past, reminding us that even the simplest of images carry the weight of history.