Head of an Old Man 

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo sketched this head of an old man, and what strikes me is how it evokes the archetype of the wise elder. Consider the flowing beard, a symbol of wisdom and experience stretching back to ancient philosophers and prophets. We see this motif echoed in countless depictions of gods, saints, and scholars throughout history. The psychological weight of this imagery is profound. Look at Michelangelo's Moses, or even the ubiquitous image of Father Time. The beard signifies not merely age, but a deep connection to the past and an understanding that transcends the present. But here, Murillo's delicate strokes soften the image, infusing it with a sense of humanity. The lines hint to introspection. The archetype of the wise elder is cyclical: it appears, fades, and reappears, constantly reshaped by cultural and personal experiences. Through Murillo's sensitive rendering, this timeless symbol is imbued with both reverence and a touch of human vulnerability.