Self-portrait 

This is Armand Henrion’s self-portrait, painted with oil on canvas. Henrion, a Belgian artist who lived through two world wars, presents himself as a clown, a figure historically associated with both entertainment and profound melancholy. The stark white makeup, exaggerated frown, and single monocle create a mask that simultaneously reveals and conceals the artist's identity. The clown's mask, a tool for social commentary and satire, was a common trope, especially during periods of political upheaval and social change. Henrion’s choice to depict himself in this manner speaks to the complex interplay between public persona and private emotion. Is this a comment on the artist's role in society, a reflection of personal struggles, or both? Consider the emotional weight of the piece; the sadness in the clown's eyes, the tension in his brow. It’s an image that lingers, prompting us to reflect on the masks we all wear and the emotions we keep hidden beneath the surface.