Horatio Gates c. 1793 - 1794

Gilbert Stuart captured Horatio Gates in paint on canvas, immortalizing him with the trappings of power and victory. The gold epaulettes and medal aren't mere decorations; they are symbols of triumph and authority. Consider the letter in Gates’s hand, reminiscent of missives exchanged in ancient Roman portraiture. It is a nod to intellect and communication, not unlike the scrolls held by classical philosophers. The sword resting in his hand, though, is no mere accessory. It echoes the Roman gladius, a sign of power and readiness. Now, observe how such symbols evolved. The Roman sword transforms into the medieval knight's blade, and later, into the officer’s saber. Through each iteration, the sword retains its core meaning: leadership, courage, and the ever-present potential for conflict. This constant evolution of symbols reveals our collective, subconscious need to make manifest ideas of power, honor, and legacy.