Study of Female Head (recto); Classical Male Head (verso) c. 1890

Henri Cros created this study of a female head using graphite and wash. Here, the blank eyes invite contemplation on the nature of inner vision. Blindness, often symbolized by the absence of sight, isn’t merely a physical condition. Consider how, in ancient Greece, the blind seer Tiresias possessed profound insight, his lack of physical sight heightening his inner vision. Similarly, in our collective memory, figures like Oedipus, blinded after discovering the truth, embody the tragic consequences of seeking knowledge. This motif appears throughout art history, each time imbued with new layers of meaning. The blank eyes may evoke the idea of fate, truth, or the limitations of human perception, resonating with our subconscious understanding of these archetypal figures. It acts as a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol, like the serpent or the hero’s journey, reveals a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving across different historical contexts.