Print from Drawing Book c. 1610 - 1620

This print, made by Luca Ciamberlano, gives us a glimpse into the artist's methods through a series of studies of eyes and mouths. These isolated features, rendered with meticulous detail, echo the ancient Greek practice of studying human anatomy to capture ideal beauty. Consider the eye, often called the window to the soul; its varying expressions encapsulate a range of emotions. The study of physiognomy, popular during Ciamberlano's time, sought to link facial features to character traits. We can trace the symbolic weight of the eye back to ancient Egypt, with the Eye of Horus representing protection and royal power. In a psychoanalytic light, the eye's intense focus and capacity to reflect evokes deep, subconscious reactions. The motifs in this print illustrate art's non-linear progression, where symbols are continuously reinterpreted and adapted across cultures. As we gaze upon these fragments, we become part of a visual dialogue spanning centuries, engaging with enduring questions about human expression and identity.