F.L. Cushman, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This is a carte-de-visite of F.L. Cushman, from the Old Judge series, produced by Goodwin & Company using photography in New York. The image captures a man with a particular style. His elaborate mustache and the knotted scarf around his neck speak volumes about the late 19th century. The mustache, a symbol of masculinity and status, is not unlike the beards of ancient Assyrian kings, meticulously groomed to project power. Similarly, the scarf, while seemingly decorative, is a vestige of the cravat. The cravat goes back to the Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century, itself evolved from practical neck protection to a signifier of elegance. Such accoutrements carry echoes of past eras, demonstrating how symbols shift in meaning yet retain a connection to their origins. A man’s attire is a carefully constructed performance, a reflection of cultural memory and aspiration. The image operates on a psychological level, tapping into our understanding of how appearances shape identity and influence perception.