But where are the snows of yesteryear?

These are the poetic words of the 15th century French poet François Villon, an alluring character who lived during the waning years of the middle ages. His vagabond life style amongst the outcasts of Paris matched his novel poetic style, for he wrote both satirically and seriously about the earthiness and ribaldry of his time, mingling his poetic words with the restless individuality of the coming renaissance. Jailed often and once even condemned to death, only to be pardoned at the last minute, the character of Villon is a remarkable reflection of Europe during this fascinating period in history. In Endre Szasz's portrayal of François Villon we see the intriguing figure of Villon emerge through the character's riveting eyes, their intensity coupled with a twinkling glint that suggests his unconventional nature. A dramatic hat sits high atop Villon's head, its bright red detailed adornment perhaps echoing the beautiful complexities of Villon’s own mind as well as those of the period in which he lived. A cape with swirling colors wraps around the poet's slender shoulders giving a feeling of poetic movement to this stunning painting, and seemingly embracing Villon within the movements of the cosmos. The music of the universe was given voice through the words of this most gifted and imaginative poet. Here the image of Villon is given expression through the talents of Endre Szasz, this most gifted and imaginative painter.