Master Lambton c. 1827

This engraving of Master Lambton was crafted by Samuel Cousins, capturing a moment of childhood reverie. The sitter, draped in velvet, is reminiscent of traditional aristocratic portraiture. Yet, consider the posture of the figure, his hand supporting his head: this melancholy pose echoes the ancient motif of melancholia, seen in classical sculptures and Renaissance paintings alike. Dürer's "Melancholia I" comes to mind, where the allegorical figure also sits in contemplative silence, surrounded by tools of creation. The melancholic gesture transcends mere sadness; it embodies a state of deep thought and introspection. It recurs throughout art history, a visual echo passed down through generations. These motifs resurface, evolving in meaning, yet still resonating with a powerful, subconscious force. The image of Master Lambton thus becomes a conduit, linking past and present, revealing the enduring power of human emotion conveyed through art.