Self-Portrait 

Tomás Joseph Harris made this self-portrait with ink on paper. It invites reflection on the artist's identity and the circumstances of its making. Harris worked in Britain during a time of immense social upheaval, shaped by the Second World War and its aftermath. The portrait's stark contrast and somewhat distressed lines might reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of that period. It is a time when traditional notions of identity were being questioned. The art institutions of the time, such as the Slade School of Fine Art, were influencing artistic styles. The piece seems to nod to these influences while hinting at a personal struggle. Was this an intentional subversion of classical portraiture, reflecting a broader societal shift? As art historians, we might delve into Harris's biography, exploring his connections within the artistic community, and analyze other works of the period, to uncover the layers of meaning within this self-portrait.