Portret van Anton Buys c. 1886 - 1890

This photograph of Anton Buys, taken by Max Büttinghausen, captures more than just a likeness; it speaks to the evolving ideals of masculine identity. The necktie, knotted and carefully arranged, is not merely an article of clothing but a symbol of order and social integration. This emblem finds echoes in earlier eras, such as the meticulously tied cravats of the Regency period. Yet, its meaning shifts, moving away from ostentatious display towards an assertion of bourgeois respectability. We see this transformation across continents. Consider the evolution of the Roman toga into the modern suit, each iteration signaling evolving societal values. The act of portraiture itself taps into profound psychological currents. In capturing and preserving an image, we grapple with mortality, memory, and the desire for enduring recognition. This image becomes a vessel for memory. The necktie, in its various forms throughout history, continually resurfaces, adapting to reflect the values of each new age.