'His Excellency General Washington Commander in Chief of the Forces of the united States of North America &c. ' 1783

This engraving portrays General George Washington in profile. The oval frame around his portrait is reminiscent of ancient Roman imperial portraiture, evoking ideas of leadership and authority. Consider how the visual language of power has persisted through the ages. Washington's image, framed in this classical style, consciously places him within a lineage of great leaders, echoing the visual strategies employed by Roman emperors to legitimize their rule. This harkens back to rulers like Augustus, whose portraits similarly used the oval to convey an idea of enduring power. Observe how symbols reappear throughout history, constantly being reinterpreted. Even the simple profile view carries significance. It invites viewers to reflect upon the qualities associated with leadership, and the enduring human desire for strong, guiding figures. Such imagery taps into our collective memory. The emotional power of these visual cues continues to engage us on a deep, subconscious level.