Daniel Webster c. 1853

This is Thomas Ball's bronze sculpture of Daniel Webster, created in the late 19th century. The most striking symbol here is Webster’s hand placed inside his coat, a gesture laden with historical weight. This motif echoes through art history, seen in portraits of figures like Napoleon and various statesmen. In its time, this gesture signified composure and statesmanship, projecting an image of thoughtful authority and integrity. Yet, its roots are far older. Consider similar gestures in classical sculptures, conveying modesty or concealed power. The pose subtly communicates a sense of contained energy, suggesting the subject possesses inner strength and resolve. It is a demonstration of control, deeply resonating with collective memories of leadership and the psychoanalytic concept of the 'inner self.' It suggests that true power lies not in outward display but in the hidden depths of character, an idea that continues to inform our understanding of authority across different eras.