Dr. Andrew Clark before 1878

This sepia photograph by Lock & Whitfield immortalizes Dr. Andrew Clark, a senior physician at The London Hospital. Encircling Clark is an oval frame, reminiscent of ancient laurel wreaths and Renaissance portraiture, symbolizing honor and timeless acclaim. Such framing connects him to a lineage of celebrated figures, a visual echo of the past. These visual cues are not merely decorative; they evoke a sense of reverence, mirroring the hero worship seen in classical busts. Across time, the oval frame transforms from a pagan symbol of victory into a hallmark of veneration, reappearing on family crests and memorial plaques. This enduring symbol, deeply embedded in our collective memory, taps into a profound psychological need for heroes and remembrance. It's a testament to how visual language evolves, yet remains anchored in our shared human experience.