[John Callcott Horsley] 1860s

This photograph by John and Charles Watkins, captures John Callcott Horsley in 1871. Here, the carefully knotted bow tie suggests more than mere adornment; it speaks of social standing and artistic identity. Consider the evolution of the necktie. Originating from utilitarian beginnings, it morphed into a symbol of status. Across centuries, it reappears—from the elaborate lace jabots of the Baroque era to the somber ties of the Victorian age—each iteration reflecting the zeitgeist of its time. Psychoanalytically, the bow tie can be viewed as a form of self-presentation, a conscious attempt to project an image of order and refinement. This is a gesture to societal norms, an unspoken agreement within the cultural memory. Even now, the echo of formality persists in contemporary fashion. These echoes demonstrate the cyclical nature of cultural symbols. They continue to evolve, carrying fragments of history into the present.