Dimensions: plate: 29.9 x 22.8 cm (11 3/4 x 9 in.) sheet: 51.3 x 32.9 cm (20 3/16 x 12 15/16 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
Max Liebermann etched this portrait of Hyman Marzynski, capturing more than just a likeness. The gaze, direct and unwavering, pierces through time, echoing the ancient Roman tradition of portraiture designed to convey gravitas. Consider the motif of the 'gaze' itself, how it reappears through epochs, from the self-assured visages of Renaissance rulers to the unflinching eyes of religious icons. This gaze, a symbol of authority and inner strength, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian funerary masks, intended to preserve not just the image but the very essence of the individual. Here, the intensity of Marzynski's stare engages us on a deeply subconscious level, stirring primal instincts of recognition and judgment. The image resonates, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, the image of Marzynski embodies this cyclical progression, resurfacing in new contexts, layered with evolving meanings, and perpetually engaging with the human psyche.
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