This provocative artist, whose life and work have been extensively documented, often seems as though he belonged in a different era. One can easily picture Robert Lenkiewicz moving among the studios of Baroque masters like Velazquez and Rembrandt. His artistry was deeply influenced by these painters, embodying their essence in his work.

Lenkiewicz, much like Rembrandt, had a deep understanding of human nature and an exceptional academic technique. His works have profoundly influenced admirers and students. Rembrandt, known for his introspective self-portraits, created about 60 in his lifetime. Lenkiewicz surpassed this, creating hundreds of self-portraits, bordering on the obsessive. He also mirrored Rembrandt's exploration of emotions, dedicating entire projects to introspective themes such as Jealousy in Project 8, one of his 20 themed projects accompanied by extensive notes and sketches.

In Velazquez, we see a similar use of dark backgrounds, a technique also favored by Lenkiewicz. This approach created a brooding, evocative atmosphere and allowed for masterful interplays of light and shadow, particularly on skin tones—a skill where Robert excelled.

Robert's immense intellect was fueled by his lifelong passion for learning. He collected a vast library, with sections dedicated to Theology, Metaphysics, Philosophy, and Death. His education wasn't just for show; his paintings were layered with meanings that went beyond their visual appearance. Robert sought to provoke thought and engage viewers intellectually, reflecting his nature as a thinker. To fully appreciate his art, one must first understand the man himself.