Portret van vermoedelijk William Gaillard before 1875

This is a portrait of William Gaillard, likely produced in the mid-19th century, and pasted into a copy of his book, "Poems and Religious Experience." The book itself, published in Cincinnati, hints at the cultural and institutional dynamics at play. This was a time when the printed word was becoming increasingly accessible, allowing individuals like Gaillard to self-publish and disseminate their ideas. The inclusion of a portrait underscores the growing importance of personal identity and authorship. The reference to John Locke situates Gaillard within a specific intellectual tradition, and suggests a readership with shared cultural values. To fully understand this image and book, we can investigate 19th-century publishing practices, the role of religious experience in American society, and the construction of personal identity through portraiture. These resources can illuminate the social and cultural forces shaping the creation and reception of Gaillard's work.