Head of St. Andrew 

This Head of St. Andrew, housed in Strasbourg, is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. We see a venerable figure, his gaze averted, a long beard cascading down, signs of age and wisdom. This depiction is not merely a portrait but an archetype. The profile view, reminiscent of ancient Roman busts, lends the figure a sense of timelessness. This brings to mind images of philosophers and prophets, figures embodying wisdom and foresight. Think of the countless images across time showing similar stoic figures, the weight of the world etched on their faces. The averted gaze, a motif as old as art itself, suggests introspection, contemplation, or perhaps even a sense of foreboding. This motif resonates deeply within our collective memory, stirring subconscious connections to human experiences of reflection. This symbol has not been linear, and as the image changes the emotional depth conveyed through this simple gaze evolves.