Studies of Eyes c. 1622

Curator: Jusepe de Ribera's "Studies of Eyes" presents us with a series of meticulously rendered eyes, each subtly different in expression and form. Editor: There’s an almost unsettling intensity in these studies. It's like being observed, scrutinized, even by seemingly passive glances. Curator: Ribera, born in 1591, clearly sought to understand the nuances of human expression through the eyes. They have long been considered the windows to the soul. Editor: Absolutely. And the fact that these are disembodied eyes allows us to focus solely on the gaze itself, perhaps reflecting the power dynamics inherent in looking and being looked at. The male gaze for instance. Curator: The graphic quality, the stark contrast, heightens the visual impact, reminding us of the enduring power and mystery of the human gaze. Editor: It’s a potent reminder of how much we communicate, consciously or not, through this singular feature.