15022 (_I love …_) 1931

John Elsas crafted this piece, _I love …_, in 1931, a collage of paper and ink on paper. The figure, adorned in a black top hat, embodies a poignant tension between outward formality and inward anxiety. Notice the figure's gesture: the slightly raised hand, a symbol of contemplation or perhaps hesitant engagement. It reminds us of similar gestures in Renaissance portraits, where the hand often signifies intellect or emotional depth. Yet, here, the context is different; the figure’s frailty subverts the traditional associations of power and wisdom. The text, "Ich liebe meine Sorgen sehr," reveals a deep connection to sorrow. It speaks to a human tendency to find solace and even identity in our burdens. This resonates with ancient myths of tragic heroes and the cyclical nature of suffering and rebirth. The figure’s rigid posture and pale complexion, evoke a sense of melancholy. This connects to a collective memory of shared human experiences. Through these symbols, Elsas taps into a psychological space where personal and cultural anxieties converge, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of sorrow.