Fotomontage van 33 Amerikaanse politici before 1871

This photogravure of American politicians, created by Edric L. Eaton, presents us with a constellation of faces. The arrangement itself is a potent symbol, reminiscent of family portraits of the era, but these are the faces of power. The beards, hairstyles, and formal attire speak to the visual language of authority in late 19th-century America. Consider how the motif of the collective portrait has recurred throughout history. From ancient Roman busts to Renaissance family trees, humans have sought to immortalize groups of individuals. This desire connects to our inherent need to record and remember. The faces here, set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with identity, evoke a collective yearning for leadership and stability. They remind us that symbols of power and authority continuously reappear, reflecting our psychological need to negotiate our relationship with governance. What does this arrangement of faces say to you?