Untitled 

This untitled painting was made by the Iranian artist Bahman Mohasses, sometime during his career. Mohasses was an iconoclastic figure, often referred to as "the Iranian Picasso" for his modernist style. His work frequently features distorted figures, often bulls or, as we see here, goats, set against surreal backgrounds. This image creates meaning through its stark visual codes. The animal stares out with a wild-eyed expression, its teeth bared in a grimace. Mohasses was working during a time of great political upheaval in Iran, and he was critical of the Pahlavi regime. Some scholars argue that his work embodies the angst and alienation felt by many Iranians during this period. Mohasses was also critical of the art establishment in Iran, which he saw as being too conservative and unwilling to embrace new ideas. The role of the historian is to consider the multiple layers of meaning within the artwork and to consider the ways in which it reflects the social and political context in which it was created. Research into Mohasses' life and the history of modern art in Iran can provide valuable insights into his work.