Bust of Reverend Tomas Cornelius c. 17th century

This anonymous drawing depicts Reverend Tomas Cornelius, capturing his likeness with delicate strokes. His gaze is directed slightly downwards, perhaps a gesture of humility. Consider, though, the prevalence of such portraits throughout history. The seemingly simple act of depicting an individual carries the weight of centuries, echoing the Roman tradition of death masks intended to preserve the likeness of the deceased. The tradition carries on even to our day, of photographing our loved ones. The somber expression is a potent symbol across cultures, seen in countless depictions of religious figures and historical leaders. This visual cue engages viewers on a subconscious level, eliciting empathy and a sense of shared humanity. It speaks to our collective memory of mortality and the human condition, constantly resurfacing and taking on new meanings.