The gateway to the soul has inspired and intrigued artists as long as people have been painting. Some have been interested in the eye as a metaphysical device, containing all the characteristics of the person. Others, such as Da Vinci, carried out numerous experiments to deduce just what happens when we open our eyes and have a look round. These paintings show the brilliant effect of creating optical illusions that trick the viewer into seeing things that are not really there. Others focus on the unnerving menace of direct, confrontational eye contact. As a society, we judge people on their looks and on the power of their stare. Picasso believed he could crush a person with his unflinching, undeviating gaze. Feast your own eyes on this wonderful collection of images; enjoy the art that has been created with the eye in mind as well as in the mind’s eye.
