Three Heads 1889

Timothy Cole created this engraving called "Three Heads," and it is now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. Cole was part of the late 19th-century movement that looked back to the Renaissance. Here, Cole depicts three artists from that period: Taddeo Gaddi, Giotto, and Cimabue. It's interesting how Cole, as an engraver, chose to portray painters, those who worked with color and light. Through the black and white medium of engraving, Cole mediates on the legacy of these artists and perhaps, on his own place in art history. The faces emerge from the paper, each with distinct features and expressions. In choosing to represent these figures, Cole invites us to consider the role of the artist and the passage of time. These are not just historical figures; they are embodiments of artistic legacy, asking us to reflect on the very nature of creativity, influence, and the dialogue between artists across generations.