Animal Head c. 1939

Gerard Barnett's "Animal Head," produced in an unknown medium, presents us with a figure steeped in symbolic potential. Here, the grotesque head, reminiscent of medieval gargoyles, displays a sinuous tongue and an ominous gaze. This imagery can be traced back to ancient protective deities, meant to ward off evil with their fierce appearance. Consider how similar figures guard the entrances of temples and churches worldwide; the menacing visage intended to safeguard sacred spaces. However, such symbolism is never static. Over time, the grotesque—once purely apotropaic—takes on an ambivalent character, embodying both protector and the very evil it wards against. Perhaps, this reflects our own internal struggles, the subconscious recognition that the line between good and evil is not always clear. The "Animal Head" resonates because it taps into this primal space, stirring our deepest fears and subconscious memories.