Benson John Lossing 1832 - 1835

Thomas Seir Cummings painted Benson John Lossing using watercolor on ivory, and the work now resides in the Metropolitan Museum. Notice the subject’s attire, the dark suit, and the meticulously knotted cravat; garments that speak of a deliberate construction of identity. These items are not merely fabrics but symbols of respectability and social standing. Similar styles can be traced back to the somber vestments favored during the Reformation, where simplicity in dress was meant to reflect inner piety. Observe also the inkwell and writing tools arrayed beside Lossing. These objects speak volumes, signifying erudition and industry, echoing the symbolic importance of books and writing implements seen in depictions of the Evangelists. Just as the quill in the hand of Saint Luke signifies divine inspiration, here it suggests Lossing's own ambition and intellectual endeavors. Such objects engage us on a deep level, stirring memories and connecting us to past narratives, and resurface again and again.