Head of a Woman (recto); Head of a Child, Study of Children's Forearms (verso) 1634 - 1689

Ciro Ferri created this drawing of a woman's head in the 17th century, capturing her in a moment of serene repose, her eyes closed as if in slumber. The motif of closed eyes extends far beyond this image, appearing in various depictions of saints, classical figures, and allegorical representations of virtues like Peace or Silence. Consider the figure of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, often shown with closed eyes, symbolizing rest and oblivion. In Christian art, Saint Lucy, the patron saint of sight, is sometimes depicted with eyes closed or missing, representing spiritual vision beyond physical sight. The recurring symbol of closed eyes speaks to a deeper understanding of consciousness and the subconscious. It is a poignant reminder of our shared human experiences of rest, vulnerability, and introspection. By studying such recurring motifs, we begin to understand how collective memory and subconscious processes have affected the production and interpretation of art throughout history.