[Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Charles Manning Allan] 1843 - 1847

This photograph, by Hill and Adamson, captures Charles Edward Stuart, draped in traditional Highland attire. Look at the kilt, a potent symbol of Scottish identity and rebellion. Its checkered pattern is more than mere decoration; it's a badge of belonging, a visual marker of clan affiliation that evokes the rugged spirit of the Highlands. This tartan echoes through history, like ancient Roman battle formations, each unit identifiable by distinct shield markings. Similarly, the kilt is a cultural armor, worn with pride and defiance, a tangible connection to ancestral lands and struggles. Consider how clothing in general can embody a nation’s spirit, similar to Marianne, the French symbol of liberty. Such symbols, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, resurface in art and life, constantly renegotiated and redefined. The image, a powerful force, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, the kilt evolves— a cyclical progression, from war garment to high fashion, resurfacing, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.