Self-Portrait 1925

Ralph Barton, a prominent caricaturist of the Jazz Age, rendered this self-portrait in watercolor and graphite. Barton was known for his satirical eye, and this portrait is no exception. It exaggerates his features, highlighting his large ears and thin lips, but what does this act of self-representation tell us? The Roaring Twenties were a time of great social and cultural change. In this time of shifting gender roles and artistic experimentation, Barton was part of a generation that was both celebrating and critiquing the status quo. Barton's life was one of professional success but ended tragically when he took his own life in 1931. This self-portrait can be seen as a reflection of the artist's inner turmoil and struggle with identity. Ultimately, this image is a poignant commentary on the artist's place in a rapidly changing world and allows us to reflect on the complexities of identity.