Untitled [head of a model] 1955 - 1967

Here we have Richard Diebenkorn's ink drawing of a model's head, a study of form and expression through stark, linear contrast. The model's gaze is direct, yet there's an ambiguity—a depth that invites contemplation. Consider the eyes; they are shadowed yet piercing, reminiscent of the ancient Greek kouros sculptures, where the eyes, though stylized, hold a similar enigmatic quality. This motif appears throughout art history, from Byzantine icons to Renaissance portraits, each reflecting a cultural moment's understanding of inner life. The direct gaze, connecting subject and viewer, can be traced back to ancient funerary portraits, intended to keep the memory alive, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Over time, this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, a cycle that continues to enrich the artistic experience.