The Gaze of the Dictator Who Wasn't

“The Gaze of the Dictator Who Wasn’t” is an ink portrait inspired by the most symbolic figure in The Great Dictator (1940). In this work, I interpret that moment when the rigidity of the character breaks down and human emotion emerges: the gaze of the man who hides behind the mask of the tyrant.

I created this piece in a single session, allowing the ink to build fluid shadows, glazes, and contrasts that reveal the central duality of the film:

the dictator's firm stance versus the profound vulnerability of the barber who portrays him.

This work belongs to my Inktober 2025 collection, a dialogue between painting, memory, and film. Its influences range from Chaplin's luminous critique to Tim Burton's dark aesthetic, Maleficent's bewitching power, and Hocus Pocus's theatrical magic.

Technique and materials

• Technique: ink
• Support: Arches 100% cotton paper
• Measurements: 36 × 26 cm
• Measurements in inches: approx. 14.2 × 10.2 in
• Includes certificate of authenticity.
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An intense, intimate, and meaningful work. Ideal for collectors seeking pieces with emotional presence and narrative depth.