Waltham, past and present and its industries : with an historical sketch of watertown from its settlement in 1630 to the incorporation of Waltham, January 15, 1738 1879

This illustrated book, "Waltham, past and present and its industries", presents portraits of Nathan Appleton and Christopher Gore, figures of prominence in their time. Notice how their portraits— rendered through the stark realism of photography— borrow from classical portraiture. Their faces, framed by dark coats and white cravats, evoke a sense of gravitas, power, and authority akin to Roman senatorial portraits. The gaze, though direct, carries a weight of responsibility and perhaps a hint of melancholy. This visual language stretches back through the Renaissance to antiquity, each era adding layers to the symbol. The dark, heavy clothing, reminiscent of scholars and statesmen, has recurred through history, signifying wisdom and leadership. It is as if the very fabric they wear speaks of lineage and the burdens of governance. The symbolic weight of such portraiture—a fusion of personal identity and inherited cultural meanings—engages us still, resonating with our collective memory and stirring subconscious recognition of archetypal roles. It's a cyclical progression, as the past continually informs and shapes the present.