Dans les yeux bisantines de ma mère 

Francis Bott created this drawing, "Dans les yeux bisantines de ma mère," using pencil, likely in the mid-20th century. The surreal composition combines a portrait of his mother, rendered in a style reminiscent of Byzantine icons, with abstract architectural elements and studio objects. Bott, of German and Swiss heritage, was part of the post-war Parisian avant-garde. His work challenges traditional notions of representation. The title, which translates to "In the Byzantine Eyes of My Mother," suggests a reverence for his maternal figure and a connection to a historical artistic tradition. But the fragmented composition and unusual perspective disrupt any sense of straightforward representation, questioning the institutional frameworks of portraiture and the family. Understanding Bott's influences requires delving into the artistic climate of post-war Paris and the resurgence of interest in non-Western art forms. By considering the socio-political context of this work, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its challenging and innovative nature. Such study involves looking into the archives of art criticism and biography.