Bartolomeo Colleoni, after Andrea del Verrocchio 1887

Editor: This is Joseph Smith's drawing, "Bartolomeo Colleoni, after Andrea del Verrocchio." It looks like a photograph, but it’s actually graphite on paper. What do you see in this iconic image? Curator: The equestrian statue, ever a potent symbol. It's more than just a general on horseback; it speaks to the enduring power of the archetype of the heroic leader. Notice how Colleoni is positioned, not as a benevolent ruler, but as a figure of authority. What feelings does that evoke in you? Editor: He definitely appears powerful, but maybe a little severe? Curator: Precisely! The statue memorializes not just the man, but the idea of leadership and the cultural memory of strength, even intimidation. It speaks to our ongoing fascination with power, doesn't it? Editor: I never thought about it that way before. It's interesting to consider how these symbols continue to resonate.