Portret van Toos met gesloten ogen c. 1930 - 1940

This drawing by Otto Verhagen captures a portrait of a woman, Toos, with closed eyes. The closed eyes are a powerful symbol, deeply rooted in our collective consciousness. Throughout history, closed eyes have signified a range of emotional and psychological states. Think of ancient sculptures of sleeping gods, embodying a realm of dreams, inner peace, and latent power. This motif transcends time, appearing in Renaissance paintings where saints are depicted in meditative repose, eyes closed in profound spiritual contemplation. Consider the visual language of grief and mourning, too. Closed eyes often represent the finality of death, a peaceful departure from the waking world. Yet, they also hint at the potential for rebirth and renewal, a cyclical journey from darkness to light. The psychological impact of seeing closed eyes evokes a sense of introspection and vulnerability, compelling us to confront our own mortality and the ephemeral nature of existence. Ultimately, this simple yet profound image reveals how symbols continually resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, connecting us to the past while inviting us to contemplate the depths of the human experience.