Samuel Adams 1797

Curator: This is a portrait of Samuel Adams, engraved by George Graham. Editor: He looks so… determined. Pointing, like he's making a crucial point. Curator: Indeed. The gesture, the setting with the Harvard building visible, it all speaks of authority and intellect. Pointing, for sure, but also guiding. Editor: The monochrome tones lend a serious weight, too, almost austere. Is that a document he's pointing at? It looks like he’s got his hand right on top of something important! Curator: Yes, the paper is meant to represent his commitment to governance. Editor: I love how visual symbols, like the finger or the papers, can have emotional resonance for us even now. Curator: Absolutely. Visual culture is a continuous, and always present, part of our lives. Editor: Exactly! Gives you a sense of continuity, you know? Curator: It does, and that's what makes exploring these symbols so meaningful.