John Potter 

Here we see John Potter, captured in paint by Thomas Sully sometime in the 19th century. Sully, an Anglo-American portrait painter, was highly sought after for his ability to render likenesses of the elite. Consider the social and political milieu of the time; portraiture was a powerful tool for solidifying social status, and in this image, Potter, a man of privilege, presents himself in a way that exudes authority and respectability. His stern gaze and formal attire speak volumes about the values of the era, emphasizing the importance of appearance and decorum in maintaining one's position in society. Sully's portraits offer a window into the lives of those who shaped the course of history. Think about the stories that are not told, of those who were excluded from such representation due to their gender, race, or class. In considering such representations, we are reminded of the power of art to reflect societal structures and power dynamics.