Gov. John Page of Virginia, Rosewell Plantation, Gloucester County, Virginia 

This engraving of Governor John Page of Virginia was made after an original portrait by Benjamin West, around 1759. It presents an intriguing case study of how images negotiate social status and political ideology in colonial America. Page is depicted with a rifle, leaning casually against a tree, his attire suggesting a blend of gentility and frontier ruggedness. This reflects the complex identity of the Virginia elite, who saw themselves as both refined landowners and leaders in a new world. The imagery subtly evokes a sense of dominion over the land, echoing the economic power derived from plantation agriculture, which was, of course, built on enslaved labor. Understanding the image requires that we consider the social conditions of its time. By consulting historical records, personal correspondence, and plantation inventories, we can reveal the full story of how the institution of slavery was intertwined with the visual culture of early America. The value of this image lies in its ability to prompt critical reflection on the legacies of power and representation.