Two masked women 1890 - 1920

This print by Will Bradley presents two women in masks, framed by swirling floral motifs. The mask itself is a potent symbol, dating back to ancient rituals and festivals. It suggests hidden identities, secrecy, and the blurring of social norms. In the context of early 20th-century art, the mask can be seen as a tool for exploring psychological states, representing both liberation and concealment. We see echoes of the masked figure in earlier Venetian carnival scenes and later in Surrealist explorations of the subconscious. The continuous thread of the masked figure reappears through history, from ancient Greek theatre to contemporary protest movements. This image invites us to reflect on the enduring human fascination with disguise, performance, and the hidden aspects of the self.