Portrait of Vsevolod Voinov 1921

Boris Kustodiev rendered this drawing of Vsevolod Voinov in 1921. The glasses perched upon Voinov's nose are of particular interest; not merely tools for sight, but potent symbols. Think of the 'lorgnettes' held by ancient scholars—an emblem of intellectual prowess and discerning vision, both literal and figurative. Consider how, over centuries, spectacles have morphed from rare curiosities to commonplace necessities, yet their association with knowledge endures. Even now, the 'four-eyes' motif persists in folklore, as a signifier of wisdom, or, conversely, vulnerability. It is a fascinating duality, isn't it? There's something deeply human in our enduring need to categorize and label, to project meaning onto even the simplest of objects. This portrait becomes more than just an image of Voinov; it is a mirror reflecting our complex relationship with perception and understanding.