THE FACE

The face is not only central to identity, but is also the primary vehicle for human expression, emotion, and character. It signifies intellect and power, is often regarded as a window into the soul, and is the focus of attention when individuals meet. How have dif ferent cultures depicted faces?whether a likeness or idealized/ whether masked or revealed/ whether newborn, in the prime of life, d ying, or even deceased? Why has the depiction of the human face been so central to artistic expression in all world cultures?