Portret van Henry Thomas Buckle before 1863

This photographic portrait of Henry Thomas Buckle, found within his book "Essays," offers a glimpse into the 19th century's reverence for intellect and legacy. Consider the oval frame surrounding Buckle. This shape, echoing the Renaissance 'tondo', elevates the sitter, creating a sense of timelessness and reverence. Oval frames were employed in antiquity and the Renaissance to frame portraits of rulers, philosophers, and thinkers. The choice of such a classic motif places Buckle within a lineage of esteemed figures. In a way, it is attempting to portray him as an ancient philosopher through the employment of the symbol of the oval frame. We see how such forms, initially associated with classical ideals, continually resurface, imbued with new significance, revealing our enduring fascination with history and the power of cultural memory.