Seated Man and two Heads 

Jules Schmalzigaug sketched "Seated Man and two Heads" in pencil, at a time when Europe was on the brink of immense social and political upheaval. Schmalzigaug was part of the Futurist movement, which had a strong presence in Italy. This piece is an intimate glimpse into the artist's process, capturing the essence of his subjects. The seated man, rendered with a degree of formality, contrasts with the looser, more expressive studies of the heads. There’s an emotional intensity to the faces. Schmalzigaug's work often explored themes of modernity and the dynamism of urban life, yet here, we see a more personal, introspective side. As a gay man living in a time of intense social repression and a world war, Schmalzigaug often struggled to reconcile his personal identity with the expectations of society, and perhaps we see some of that struggle here. His work gives voice to alternative narratives, allowing us to reflect on the complexities of identity, history, and personal experience.