Lord Elphinstone before 1893

This page features an engraving of an anonymous bust of Lord Elphinstone. The bust itself revives the classical tradition of portraiture, evoking the gravitas of ancient Roman senators and philosophers. Note the draped garment, a visual symbol that harkens back to the toga of Roman statuary. This motif, resonating through centuries, reappears in various guises—from Renaissance paintings to Neoclassical sculptures. It has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning, but always carrying connotations of authority, intellect, and virtue. These symbols tap into our collective memory, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. It represents the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing and evolving across historical contexts.