Béla Adalbert Czóbel, Self Portrait 

This self-portrait sketch was made by Béla Czóbel, who was born in Hungary in 1883. Czóbel moved to Paris in the early 20th century, where he became involved with the Fauvist movement, but was living in Berlin when the first World War broke out. Here, Czóbel depicts himself in what seems like a moment of quiet reflection. The pipe and the cap, common attributes of working-class men, suggest a conscious effort to present himself as an everyman. This portrayal can be seen within the context of early 20th-century artistic movements, where artists sought to break away from academic traditions and connect with the experiences of ordinary people. It's interesting to consider how Czóbel uses the self-portrait to shape his identity, particularly as an artist navigating the tumultuous social and political landscape of early 20th-century Europe. The sketch invites us to reflect on the artist's place within the world.