Hand In Waistcoat Collection

John Jay, 1786 (oil on canvas)
NYH149705 John Jay, 1786 (oil on canvas) by Wright of Derby, Joseph (1734-97); Collection of the New-York Historical Society

KARL MARX (1818-1883). German political philosopher. Oil over a photograph

James Knox Polk, from Gallery of Historical Portraits, published c. 1880 (litho)
KW327856 James Knox Polk, from Gallery of Historical Portraits, published c.1880 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque (1767-1830) at the Tribune (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR239740 Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque (1767-1830) at the Tribune (engraving) (b/w photo) by Philippoteaux, Felix (1815-84) (after); Bibliotheque Publique et Universitaire, Geneva

Napoleon Bonaparte in his Study at the Tuileries, 1812 (oil on canvas)
XIR155465 Napoleon Bonaparte in his Study at the Tuileries, 1812 (oil on canvas) by David, Jacques Louis (1748-1825); 205x128 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

JOHN POPE (1822-1892). American army commander. Photograph, c1863

CHARLES STEWART PARNELL (1846-1891). Irish Nationalist leader

VICTOR M. HUGO (1802-1885). French writer. Caricature lithograph, 1879, by Theobald Chartran

JUAN VINCENTE BOLIVAR Y PONTE. Father of Simon Bolivar

HENRY CAVENDISH (1731-1810). English physicist and chemist. Pencil and wash by Willaim Alexander (1767-1816)

JOHN DALTON (1766-1844). English chemist and physicist. Mezzotint, 19th century

FREDERICK EDWIN CHURCH (1826-1900). American painter. Photograph by Mathew Brady

Daguerreotype of an unidentified man, possibly Mathew Brady, mid 19th century
MAN, 19th CENTURY. Daguerreotype of an unidentified man, possibly Mathew Brady, mid 19th century

(1853-1917). English actor-manager. As Svengali in the London theatrical production, 1895
SIR HERBERT BEERBOHM TREE (1853-1917). English actor-manager. As Svengali in the London theatrical production, 1895, of George Du Mauriers Trilby. Original cabinet photograph

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"Hand in Waistcoat: A Gesture of Power and Prestige" The iconic pose of placing one's hand inside the waistcoat has been captured throughout history, revealing the personalities and influence of notable figures. Thaddeus Stevens, an American lawyer and politician, exudes confidence as he gazes into the camera lens, his hand firmly tucked into his vest. Mathew Brady's photograph immortalizes this moment. In John Jay's oil painting from 1786, we witness a different era but a similar gesture. The hand in waistcoat signifies authority and intellect as Jay portrays himself with poise and dignity. Lucjan Zeligowski, a Polish general photographed during mass in Vilna, showcases strength and determination with his hand hidden within his uniform. This powerful image captures the essence of leadership amidst turbulent times. Karl Marx's portrait reveals not only his revolutionary ideas but also his commanding presence. The oil overlay on a photograph highlights Marx's intellectual prowess while emphasizing the significance of this symbolic gesture. James Knox Polk is depicted lithographically in an artwork published around 1880. His confident stance with hand concealed suggests both power and composure befitting a former President of the United States. Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque stands at the Tribune with conviction engraved upon him. His black-and-white photo accentuates every detail - including the enigmatic placement of his hand - symbolizing eloquence through silence. Napoleon Bonaparte takes center stage in an oil painting set within his study at Tuileries Palace in 1812. With one arm crossed over another behind him, Napoleon asserts dominance through this subtle yet authoritative pose. Ulysses S. Grant embodies strength as he poses for posterity with one hand resting comfortably within his coat pocket—a testament to both military might and presidential stature. John Pope commands attention through photography circa 1863; here too we see that same timeless gesture conveying leadership and self-assurance.