Head of An Old Man 

Peter Paul Rubens painted this old man, his face framed by a thick beard and curly hair, with oil. The beard, in art, has always been a symbol of wisdom, power, and age, rooted in ancient traditions. Think of the depictions of Zeus or Poseidon in classical sculpture: their beards are not merely facial hair, but emblems of authority. This motif reappears throughout history, from the prophets of the Old Testament to the wise men of Renaissance art. But in the 17th century, the beard's symbolism was already changing. It became associated with the common man, with the rise of portraiture that was not only exclusive to nobility. This image is also emotionally potent. Look at the subject's eyes; they invite introspection, connecting us with the timeless human experience of aging and contemplation. Rubens taps into our collective memory, reminding us that symbols evolve, but the emotions they evoke often remain constant. This intertwining of symbolism and emotion is what gives art its enduring power.