"Layfaeete" [Lafayette?] (from Sketchbook) 1811 - 1893

John William Casilear captured this portrait of Lafayette, likely with graphite on paper. Notice the subject’s hand casually placed on what seems to be a cane, a motif that echoes through centuries of portraiture, signifying authority and poise. Think of classical statues, Roman emperors holding scepters, or even Renaissance nobles leaning on swords, gestures and props conveying a sense of power and control. This motif, deeply embedded in our visual lexicon, transcends mere representation; it speaks to a collective memory of leadership and status. The hand on the cane, while seemingly simple, resonates with an archaic symbolism. It is a deliberate choice, consciously or subconsciously, to tap into a lineage of imagery that speaks to our innate understanding of hierarchy. The psychological effect is subtle but profound, engaging us on a deep, almost unconscious level. It reminds us that images are not just seen, they are felt.