Untitled 

This untitled painting, by Zdzislaw Beksinski, presents an unsettling vision that speaks to the anxieties of post-war Poland. The nightmarish imagery - a gaunt figure on a high structure being watched from above - is typical of Beksinski’s dystopian surrealism. Beksinski came of age during the height of Soviet influence in Poland. His artistic vision was influenced by the climate of oppression and control that defined the era. Beksinski's personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and suicide of his son, further deepened his dark outlook, which is reflected in his art. His lack of a clear narrative might be interpreted as a form of silent protest against the controlling narratives of the communist regime. The fact that Beksinski refused to title his works may reflect his desire to allow viewers to interpret them freely. As historians, we look at biographical details and social context of an artwork to understand its emotional power.