William Few 1784 - 1790

This miniature of William Few was painted by John Ramage, capturing a moment in the late 18th century. Here, the sitter's garments speak volumes. The meticulously arranged white lace cravat and powdered wig, are not merely fashion statements, but symbols of status and adherence to social norms. Consider the evolution of such finery. Across centuries, the ruff, the jabot, and now the cravat, each iteration served as a visual marker of identity, a way to perform one's place in the world. Much like a peacock displays its feathers, so too did the elite don elaborate attire. The psychological undercurrents of such display run deep. The desire to impress, to assert dominance, to signal belonging – these are primal urges that find expression in the costumes we wear. And so, we see in this small portrait a reflection of a man, yes, but also a glimpse into the timeless human drama of self-presentation and social positioning.