- Robert Dacey

The watercolor presents a complex portrait study dominated by a central figure and layered with evocative symbolism. Here we observe two faces, rendered in a style that emphasizes texture and age. The foremost face is sharply defined, its features etched with deep lines suggesting experience and perhaps hardship. Behind it, a second face appears as a ghostly echo, slightly blurred and paler in tone, creating an impression of lineage or memory. Both figures are bald, which contributes to the sense of timelessness and universality.
The artist has employed a palette of muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and blues – with splashes of red that draw attention to specific areas like the hand gripping the bowstring. The application of watercolor is loose and fluid, allowing for washes and bleeds that soften edges and create an atmospheric quality. This technique lends a dreamlike feel to the composition.
The most striking element beyond the faces is the presence of a recurve bow and arrows. These are not depicted in action but rather as integral components of the figures identity. The bowstring stretches tautly, directing the viewer’s gaze towards an unseen target. The arrows themselves appear almost like extensions of the figures, blurring the line between human and tool.
The background is indistinct, a swirl of blues and greens that suggests depth but offers no concrete spatial reference. This lack of grounding reinforces the sense that these individuals exist outside of a specific time or place. A faint suggestion of feathers appears at the top, adding to the overall feeling of ritualistic significance.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of heritage, responsibility, and perhaps even sacrifice. The bow and arrow could symbolize not only physical prowess but also the burden of duty or the weight of tradition passed down through generations. The layered faces suggest a connection between past, present, and future – a lineage bound by shared purpose. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and profound introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of identity and legacy.