'Governeer Morris Esqr. Member of Congress' 1783

This engraving of Gouverneur Morris, Member of Congress, was created in 1783 by an artist with the initials B.B.E. Morris is captured in profile, framed by an oval—a shape echoing ancient cameos and coins, immediately associating him with statesmanship and enduring legacy. The profile view itself is a deliberate choice, reminiscent of Roman portraiture, evoking notions of virtue, strength, and civic duty. But the gesture of turning away, looking into the distance, is a potent symbol, a motif appearing across epochs. Consider the thoughtful gaze in Renaissance portraits, or even the distant look of ancient philosophers. It suggests contemplation, a vision for the future. This is not merely a physical likeness but a window into the subject's inner world, an evocation of the weight of leadership, of responsibility, and of the burdens of shaping a nation. This cyclical progression reflects how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.