Gezicht op de residentie van generaal Benjamin Franklin Butler te Belvidere before 1892

This monochrome photograph captures the residence of General Benjamin Franklin Butler, revealing a structure laden with symbols of power and permanence. Observe the symmetrical facade, a motif stretching back to antiquity, echoing the Roman ideals of order and control. The columns, though understated, carry the weight of classical tradition, evoking notions of stability and authority. These architectural elements are not merely aesthetic; they speak to the enduring human desire to establish dominance and leave a lasting imprint. Consider how similar motifs have appeared through history, from ancient temples to Renaissance palaces, each bearing witness to humanity's cyclical pursuit of power and legacy. This residence, in its design, taps into a deep well of collective memory, connecting Butler to a lineage of leaders who sought to project their influence through stone and structure. The residence acts as a signifier of the shifting yet persistent nature of ambition across time.