Zelfportret van Derk Anthony van de Wart 1777 - 1824

Derk Anthony van de Wart made this self-portrait as a drawing. Note the white cravat, a neckcloth tied in various knots or bows. By the late 18th century, it was a symbol of status and sophistication. We see it echoing in portraits of the time, yet its origins trace back to the simple practicalities of soldiers protecting their necks. This sartorial evolution reveals a potent psychological dance. Once a mere functional cloth, it ascends to become a marker of identity, subtly communicating one’s place in society. The cravat becomes a silent language of belonging and aspiration. Consider also, that even today, the subconscious allure of status remains. The cravat, reborn in contemporary fashion, continues to speak to our deep-seated desires for recognition and belonging, revealing the cyclical nature of symbols.