Francesco Sassetti and His Son Teodoro 1487

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted Francesco Sassetti and His Son Teodoro, now at the Met, using tempera on wood. In this double portrait, the gaze is a potent symbol. Francesco's downward look suggests introspection or gravity. Note the child Teodoro, who gazes upward, perhaps an expression of hope or aspiration towards the future. This visual cue—the direction of the eyes—resonates throughout art history. Consider the Madonna figures, often depicted with eyes cast down in humility, versus triumphant heroes looking upwards, toward divine guidance. Such recurring gestures tap into our collective memory. They evoke subconscious emotional responses shaped by cultural experiences. The father and son dynamic is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep level. These non-linear, cyclical progressions of symbols have resurfaced and evolved throughout history, taking on new meanings in different contexts. The eyes are the window to the soul, they say. Here, they present a dialogue across generations, reflecting humanity's enduring aspirations.