Studies of Ears c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have "Studies of Ears" by Jusepe de Ribera. They are so delicately rendered! What's fascinating to you about this piece? Curator: It's a study of listening, in a way. Ears, throughout history, have been linked to obedience, eavesdropping, and secrets. Consider the phrase "having the ear" of someone powerful. Editor: That's intriguing. Do you see any of those themes reflected here? Curator: The artist's choice to isolate and elevate the ear hints at its importance. In Renaissance art, ears often denoted moral receptiveness. Are these ears open or closed to wisdom? Editor: I see what you mean! I'll never look at ears the same way again. Curator: It's incredible how a single anatomical feature can hold so much symbolic weight!