Millennibethan

Renaissance Portrait painting preoccupied itself with virtue being the only conduct for beauty.
Although there is still a hint of vulnerability that is disquieting and that encourages us to pause and examine the impact of modern preoccupation with perfection, these paintings are a lot more contemplative.

Compositionally the subjects immediacy still confronts us, yet the gaze turns inwards.
Instead of being an object for scrutiny, although aware of the viewers gaze, the subject turns towards it's own analysis.

Consideration of their own history conjures up issues around a more current self identity.
Androgyne and blurred gender distinction may come to the forefront of this more recent modern self awareness.