Paul Lafond and Alphonse Cherfils Examining a Painting c. 1878 - 1880

This is Edgar Degas’s depiction of Paul Lafond and Alphonse Cherfils examining a painting. The gaze, directed downward and inward, dominates the composition. Observe how it channels a psychological force; both men are engrossed, their focus narrowed to the canvas before them. This gesture of looking down has ancient roots. In depictions of contemplative saints and philosophers, it symbolizes introspection and profound thought. We see it echoed through Renaissance portraiture and even in ancient sculptures of thoughtful gods. But here, the context shifts. The sacred becomes secular. The act of contemplation is directed towards art itself. Yet, the pose retains its psychological weight, suggesting that viewing art is not merely a visual act, but a deeply intellectual and emotional one. It serves as a mirror, inviting us to reflect on how we engage with art, and how these symbols resurface and evolve, continuously shaping our perception.