Tête d’homme aux cheveux bouclés 

This sanguine drawing is a study of a male head, created by Jean-Baptiste Greuze in the 18th century. The soft, curling hair around the man's face is immediately striking, a visual symbol laden with cultural weight. Consider the motif of flowing hair, which has roots stretching back to classical antiquity, often signifying youth, virility, and untamed energy. Think of the ecstatic Bacchantes, their hair swirling wildly as they surrender to Dionysian frenzy. Yet, here, the effect is subdued. The man’s downcast gaze suggests introspection, contrasting with the vivaciousness typically associated with such elaborate locks. This juxtaposition reminds us that symbols are never static. They evolve, taking on new meanings as they journey through time. The image invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of human expression, and how past archetypes are continually reinterpreted to articulate the complexities of the present.