Vincent Smarkusz

Undiscovered American Genius in Modern Art

Genius

Gouache on Paper
9 x 9 inches
22.8 x 22.8 cm
Time: 
1960
In Roman mythology, the genius was originally the family ancestor who lived in the underworld.  Later, the genius became more a protecting or guardian spirit for persons.  These spirits guided and protected that person throughout his life.  Every man had a genius.  Women had their own genius, which was called a juno.  The genius was usually depicted as a winged, naked youth.