A Boy 1485 - 1515

Gian Cristoforo Romano carved this marble bust of *A Boy* around the late fifteenth century. A delicate necklace adorns the boy’s neck, punctuated by a small cross at the center. The cross, a symbol of profound religious significance, carries within it centuries of emotional and spiritual weight. This emblem reminds us of its omnipresence across cultures, echoing in ancient Roman depictions of power, and even earlier, in Egyptian ankh symbols representing life. Over time, the cross has evolved, embedding itself in the collective psyche, resurfacing as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption. Here, it also suggests a subliminal connection to vulnerability. The boy's serene expression, combined with this symbol, evokes a sense of poignant innocence, a deep emotional pull that transcends the centuries. The image continues to resonate, demonstrating the enduring nature of symbols as they weave through our shared cultural memory.