His Excellency John Hancock, Esquire c. 1794

This engraving depicts John Hancock and was created by Joseph H. Seymour. The composition immediately draws the eye to the subject through a central oval frame. Light and shadow are used sparingly to model the face, while the ornate details of Hancock's coat provide textural contrast. Seymour's strategic use of line—horizontal in the background, curvilinear in the decorative elements—creates a structured yet ornamental space. This interplay between order and decoration speaks to the dual aspects of Hancock's public image: the statesman and the man of prestige. The formal arrangement is not merely aesthetic; it encodes cultural values. The symmetry and balance reflect Enlightenment ideals of reason and order, while the decorative flourishes suggest the subject’s elevated status. Through these formal devices, Seymour presents Hancock as an embodiment of early American ideals.