Earring c. 1940

Vincent Burzy created this work, "Earring," using graphite, watercolor, and possibly gouache, presenting us with a seemingly simple, yet evocative image. The central motif—a singular earring—immediately draws us into a world of symbolism. The circle, an emblem of wholeness and eternity, is a recurring motif throughout art history and across cultures, symbolizing the infinite and the cyclical nature of life. Think of ancient sun discs or the Ouroboros, the snake eating its tail. Yet, here, the earring is incomplete, a poignant disruption of this perfect form. What does its solitude evoke? Earrings themselves have long signified identity, status, and even protection against evil. This solitary earring conjures not just the physical loss of a precious object, but perhaps the loss of identity or connection. The faint graphite line beside it only underscores this sense of absence, leaving us to ponder the untold stories behind this singular, enigmatic object.