Compositie van portretten van 17 Amerikaanse presidenten, van George Washington tot en met Andrew Johnson (1789-1869) c. 1865 - 1869

This composite image, featuring portraits of seventeen American presidents from George Washington to Andrew Jackson, presents a fascinating array of symbols. The most immediate is the star, scattered across the image, a motif that is a clear allusion to the American flag, symbolizing unity and aspiration. The arrangement of portraits in a pyramidal structure, evokes classical hierarchies but also resonates with earlier religious iconography, like the arrangement of saints around a central figure. Think of Renaissance altarpieces, where a strict order underscores the divine order. Here, the presidents, too, are presented in a carefully constructed hierarchy. The star, an ancient symbol of guidance and destiny, transcends cultures. In ancient Egypt, stars adorned the ceilings of tombs, guiding the pharaohs into the afterlife. This symbolism, though secularized, taps into our collective desire for leadership and a sense of higher purpose. These men, like celestial bodies, guide the nation. In this image, the stars not only represent the nation but also the public's subconscious desire for guidance and stability amidst change. Ultimately, the image’s power lies in its appeal to collective memory, and its ability to evoke a sense of history, destiny, and shared cultural identity.