Untitled (Skull) 1981

This untitled skull was made by Miguel Cervantes in 1980, and it's an etching, so it's all about line. The monochrome palette and focus on line allow Cervantes to describe the way the light falls on the skull. The way Cervantes has etched this image, it has a really beautiful surface; it almost feels like you could run your hands across it. Look at the way he's built up the shadows, creating depth and volume with these delicate lines. The toothy grin seems to emerge out of the darkness, and the detail of the cranium is pretty exquisite. The fine, almost hesitant marks give the skull a sense of vulnerability, making it less of a symbol of death and more of a poignant study of mortality. This piece reminds me of Francisco Goya's etchings. Both artists embrace the starkness of black and white to explore themes of death, humanity, and the fragility of existence. Ultimately, this skull is a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, echoing through time.