Harlequin and Cat (Charlie Chaplin) 

Gandy Brodie created this painting, Harlequin and Cat, using oil paint. Brodie emerged as an artist in the post-war period, when many artists felt the need to create works that were socially conscious. In this work, Brodie merges the figure of a harlequin with Charlie Chaplin, the famous actor who portrayed the "Little Tramp", a character who was both comedic and tragic. Chaplin's persona resonated with audiences of all classes because he represented the struggles of the common person. The harlequin, a traditional comedic character, adds another layer of identity. Brodie, who struggled with mental illness throughout his life, uses the performers as a conduit for human suffering and resilience. The black cat, a symbol often associated with the outsider or the marginalized, seems to suggest the universality of the human condition, that we are all, to some degree, outsiders. The bright colors and the theatrical characters provide a glimpse of hope and joy, even in the face of hardship.