Autoportrait 1940

This self-portrait was painted by Cassandre, who was born Adolphe Mouron, in the early 20th century. Cassandre, a graphic designer, was known for his posters that captured the spirit of the Art Deco and Cubist movements. Here, the face is lit dramatically, casting deep shadows that shape the contours of his face. His gaze is intense. We are invited into his world, but it remains unclear if we are welcome. The work, created by a Jewish man, is marked by its place in history. Cassandre's suicide in 1968, fueled by depression and anxiety about his fading career, adds a layer of tragedy to this intense self-examination. Despite his commercial success, this portrait reveals a more introspective side, a man grappling with his identity and place in a rapidly changing world. It invites us to reflect on the masks we wear and the vulnerabilities we often conceal.