Alexander Augustus Anderson 

In this painting by Tom Roberts, dating from 1889, we see Alexander Augustus Anderson portrayed in quiet contemplation, head bowed, hat shading his eyes. The hat itself is a symbol, an icon of authority and respectability, reminiscent of the hats worn by religious figures. Think of the ancient Hermes, often depicted with a winged cap, a symbol of his role as a messenger between gods and men. Here, Anderson’s hat suggests a similar mediation, a thoughtful engagement with ideas, drawing from ancient sources and the modern world. The act of reading suggests a delving into collective memory, as the text becomes a portal connecting past and present. His averted gaze and posture evoke a state of inward reflection, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of our shared quest for meaning and the emotional weight of cultural memory, perpetually resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new significance across time.