Pleased, frustrated or angry? The many faces of Ben Bernanke

The rare Bernanke face of total concentration. Photograph: Charles Dharapak/AP

Like a vexing magic eight ball, Ben Bernanke has for seven years delivered calm, cryptic economic missives to the world's leaders and financial community. 

These powerful men and women have gathered round him every time in trepidation, confusion and delight – OK, mostly confusion. Bernanke skipped the first grade and taught himself calculus; played saxophone in a marching band and worked as a waiter at South of the Border, a Mexican-themed restaurant and amusement park in South Carolina. He's a bearded mystery.

The Federal Reserve chairman has placidly explained that "no one really understands gold," that he prints money just "not literally", and, very politely, that Congress is nuts. He is a man who "walks between raindrops", whom banks pay analysts to watch and whose words cost you money.

How to understand America's Atlas? His emotions are all over his face.

Angry

You can see a little glint in his eye. Don't make him angry. You wouldn't like him when he's really angry.

Photograph: James Lawler Duggan/Reuters

"'Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress – but I repeat myself.' Yup. Mark Twain had it."

Frustrated

"Please, senator, just get to the end of the sentence so I can go back to my office." 

Photograph: Dominick Reuter/Reuters

"It's too bad this day-long hearing will be the only time Congress cares about the economy for the next year."

Pleased

The rarest of the Bernanke faces. Easily mistaken for anger or frustration.

Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Thoughtful

Or sleepy? Those regular appearances before Congress do go on sometimes.

Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Sad

"After all these years, I'm still explaining in very small words how the economy works. You're adults. I've stood here before. There has got to be an easier way."

Photograph: Manuel Balce Ceneta /AP