From time to time throughout
history, in vastly different parts of
the world, certain cultures have
fashioned portraits that seem to
capture not only the likeness of
their sitters, but the very spirit of
their age. These images depict
more than the faces of men and
women in fine costume; they
provide telling clues about how the
sitters viewed their place in society
and their place in the world. Such
is the case with the dynastic
portraits of Egypt, the sculptures
of republican Rome and the clay
vessels of the Mochica. Depicting
the artistocratic rulers of ancient
Peru these images allow us to
glimpse the soul of a people. Here,
a nobleman displays the inner
confidence born of generations of
privilege and power.
- (PF.1364)
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