Portrait of Lajos Kassák 1920

Sandor Bortnyik's portrait of Lajos Kassák is a study in contrasts, starkly rendered in black and white. The sharp, angular forms and stark contrasts evoke a sense of modernity and forward-thinking. Notice how the eyes, shadowed and intense, become focal points. This piercing gaze isn't new; consider the ancient Roman portraits, where the eyes were meticulously carved to capture the essence of the individual, their inner spirit. Over time, this motif has appeared and reappeared through history, evolving in style and meaning. The Renaissance masters explored it, using light and shadow to create depth and emotion, while expressionists heightened the intensity. The collective memory of these gazes perhaps taps into our subconscious. The eyes are often seen as windows to the soul, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, evoking feelings of recognition, empathy, or even unease. The act of seeing and being seen, of capturing and interpreting a gaze, has been a timeless pursuit, a way to connect with humanity. It is a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in each historical context.