Paderewski 

Edward Burne-Jones rendered this sensitive drawing of Paderewski in graphite. The profile view, harking back to ancient Roman portraiture, emphasizes the sitter's noble brow and classical features. The flowing hair, a dominant feature here, immediately recalls images of Apollo, the god of music and poetry. This association isn't accidental; it's a deliberate invocation of divine inspiration and artistic genius. From antiquity to the Renaissance and beyond, flowing locks have symbolized virility, freedom, and artistic temperament. Think of Botticelli's idealized figures, or even depictions of Christ; the symbolic weight remains potent across centuries. The act of portraying someone in profile has a psychological dimension too. It invites the viewer to contemplate the inner life and character of the subject, fostering a sense of introspection. It’s fascinating how these symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, continually engaging us on a deep, subconscious level.