Untitled (Ghost Town) 1971

Saul Steinberg's "Untitled (Ghost Town)," created in 1971, presents a haunting landscape rendered in simple pencil strokes. Dominating the scene, we see a lone cowboy figure amidst surreal motifs – stones, clouds, and snail shells – scattered across the barren foreground. The snail shell, a recurring symbol, draws us into a deeper contemplation. Known for its spiral form, it echoes the cyclical nature of time. Throughout history, from ancient labyrinths to Renaissance gardens, the spiral represents growth, evolution, and the continuous return to origins. The cowboy evokes the American West, a landscape synonymous with expansion and transformation. Yet, here, he stands alone, a relic in a deserted town, suggesting a commentary on the ephemeral nature of human endeavors. The desert setting with surreal shapes is the perfect scenario to spark our collective memory, evoking a sense of isolation that resonates with our own subconscious awareness of mortality.