E. Ramus 1802 - 1849

Carl Plötz rendered this stipple engraving of E. Ramus in the 19th century, capturing the subject in stark detail. The white cravat knotted at the throat, a symbol of status and formality, draws our attention. Consider how such neckwear has echoed through time. The Roman orator's toga, carefully draped, similarly signaled civic virtue and authority. Even today, the tailored suit, a descendant of these earlier forms, serves to project power and control. These visual cues, passed down through generations, tap into a collective understanding of social hierarchy. The desire to present oneself in a manner that commands respect is deeply rooted in the human psyche, influencing not only our attire but also the way we perceive and interact with others. Each era reshapes these symbols, yet their underlying purpose remains constant: to convey status, belonging, and identity within the social order.