[Charles Henry Bennett] 1860s

This portrait of Charles Henry Bennett was captured by John and Charles Watkins. The subject's arms are crossed, a gesture that speaks volumes across time. We see this pose echoed in ancient sculptures and Renaissance paintings, often denoting authority or self-possession. Think of Roman emperors or even depictions of philosophers. Yet, the meaning is never fixed; it shifts with each era. Here, the gesture might suggest a quiet confidence, a modern assertiveness fitting for the Victorian era. Consider how this differs from, say, a medieval saint, where similar arm positions might convey humility or prayer. Our collective memory subtly shapes how we perceive such symbols. The emotional weight lies in this dance between continuity and change, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. Each reappearance is a palimpsest. The pose is not static; it evolves, resurfaces, and is laden with new interpretations, each echoing and reshaping the last.