[Bearded Man] 1853 - 1857

This is a photograph of a bearded man by Brady & Co., an artifact of its time encased in ornate presentation. Let your eyes linger on the velvet lining, adorned with a peculiar, eye-like motif. The 'evil eye' has been a potent symbol across cultures, from ancient Greece to modern-day Turkey, believed to ward off malevolent spirits. Here, it's stitched with care into the very fabric that protects this man's image. One can almost feel the weight of this symbol, a protective gaze meant to shield him from harm. Consider its echoes in art history, from the Eye of Providence in Renaissance paintings to the all-seeing eyes in Surrealist works. In each instance, the eye carries a different cultural weight and speaks to a primal need for protection and power. This symbol resurfaces and evolves, taking on new meanings, yet its core essence remains – a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.