[Charles Calverley] 1864 - 1866

This portrait of Charles Calverley was made by Thompson Gallery. The subject's full beard is not merely a matter of personal style; it evokes a sense of authority. The beard is a motif as old as time, and has been used to symbolize wisdom, strength, and virility. Think of the ancient Mesopotamian kings, whose elaborate beards were signs of power. Even the gods are often portrayed with flowing beards, signifying their age, experience, and divine authority. In more modern iterations, such as images of Freud, it lends the bearer an aura of intellectualism and experience. As the meaning of the beard evolves across history, its constant presence in art reminds us of how deeply rooted our symbols are. They evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, yet their ability to communicate power remains unchanged.