Sebastian Bourdon 1733

This is Laurent Cars' engraving of Sebastien Bourdon, which now resides in the Art Institute of Chicago. Notice Bourdon's long hair, a symbol of creative genius, reminiscent of classical depictions of Apollo, the god of arts. This motif stretches back to antiquity, where unbound hair signified inspiration and a connection to the divine. We can trace this symbolic link through Renaissance portraits, where artists intentionally adopted a similar hairstyle to align themselves with these ideals. The loose, flowing hair also carries a psychological weight, suggesting a mind unburdened by convention, free to explore the depths of imagination. It is a powerful visual shorthand that resonates on a subconscious level. As cultural memory dictates, this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.