Robert Dickey 1807 - 1810

This is John Wesley Jarvis's portrait of Robert Dickey. The cane, clutched firmly in Robert Dickey’s hands, is more than a mere walking aid; it's a scepter of authority, an assertion of status. We can see a visual echo of the ancient caduceus, the staff of Hermes, entwined with snakes, a symbol of commerce, negotiation, and even medicine. Notice how the cane has evolved: From ancient god emblems, its symbolic weight has been transferred, transformed, and imbued with the spirit of emerging capitalism and mercantile prowess. The portrait becomes a stage, a setting for the theater of social identity, subtly reflecting the subject's aspirations and connections. This is not merely a record; it's a declaration, a narrative woven with symbols, resonating across the ages, each telling of power, status, and human ambition.