Lord Oxford 

David Low created this sketch of Lord Oxford using graphite on paper. Observe how Oxford sits, his legs crossed, a posture that speaks volumes. It’s an attitude echoed through history, a lineage stretching back to ancient rulers depicted in effigies and portraits. Think of Roman emperors, Renaissance monarchs – figures of authority and contemplation. This seemingly casual pose is, in fact, heavy with the weight of leadership. The crossing of legs, a subtle gesture, suggests a containment of power, a self-assuredness. But what happens when such symbols are stripped of their original context? This motif resurfaces, evolving with each new iteration. In Low’s hands, this regal bearing is infused with a modern sensibility, perhaps hinting at the complexities and contradictions inherent in political life. We sense the presence of a historical echo, yet its significance has subtly shifted, demonstrating how deeply human gestures resonate across time.