Portret van Everhardus Koster 1843

Johan Philip Koelman captured Everhardus Koster with graphite, fixing him in time. Note the subject's bow tie, a symbol of elegance which dates back to the cravats worn by Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century. The bow tie as a motif reappears across epochs, from casual attire to formal wear. One can trace the evolution of such knot, from the elaborate lace collars of the Renaissance nobility, symbols of power and status, to the simplified, practical versions adopted by the bourgeoisie. This transformation reflects a broader shift in cultural values, as symbols of aristocracy are reimagined and democratized. This simple knot, therefore, becomes a poignant reminder of how cultural memory, and the subconscious desire for connection with the past, subtly inform our present.