Portrait of Brother, Guillermo 1840

Rosario Weiss Zorrilla rendered this portrait of her brother, Guillermo, in graphite with delicate precision. Notice Guillermo’s prominent bow tie. The bow tie, like the cravat before it, began as a purely functional piece of fabric to protect the neck. However, it has evolved into a symbol of elegance and status, often associated with sophistication and formality. One can trace the symbol back to ancient Rome, where orators like Cicero would carefully arrange their togas to project an image of authority and refinement. Similarly, Guillermo's confident gaze and posture are carefully constructed to convey an image of respectability and poise, reflecting how personal presentation can be a powerful tool in shaping social perceptions, evoking a deep, subconscious connection to the past. These visual symbols create a potent blend of conscious display and subconscious appeal.