Deception 

This image, by Erte, presents a fascinating exploration of identity and concealment. Dominating the composition are the masks, symbols of disguise and the multiple layers of persona we present to the world. The masks resonate with the ancient Greek theatrical tradition, where they amplified emotions and denoted character types. We see a similar use of masks throughout history, from commedia dell'arte to contemporary performance art, each time subtly shifting in meaning, yet retaining that core element of artifice. Even in psychoanalysis, the mask is a symbol of repressed desires, a visual representation of the Freudian concept of the 'persona'. Here, Erte's masks evoke a sense of unease, compelling us to question what lies beneath the surface. The motif of imprisonment, suggested by the caged figure, carries a potent psychological charge. The image, as a whole, taps into our deepest fears and desires related to identity, freedom, and the hidden aspects of the self. The cyclical progression of the mask is not linear, but spirals through time, constantly reshaped by cultural memory.