Tontine Building (Glasgow) 1891

David Young Cameron created this print of the Tontine Building in Glasgow, capturing the essence of urban life. Dominating the scene, the building stands as a stoic testament to commerce and community. The equestrian statue evokes ancient Roman authority and power, harking back to grand imperial monuments. The horse and rider as symbols of control and dominion are found in countless epochs, from antiquity to Renaissance equestrian portraits. Consider Marcus Aurelius' statue in Rome, where the emperor sits astride his horse, a symbol of leadership. Similarly, in the Renaissance, equestrian statues immortalized rulers, reinforcing their authority. This motif evolves, becoming a symbol of national pride and the power of empire. Cameron's print captures this inheritance, revealing how symbols of authority are continually reinterpreted. Even in the fleeting moment of urban life, the echoes of history reverberate.