The artwork “Behind the Curtain,” created by Antonio Berni in 1963, is an exemplary piece that belongs to the Social Realism and Surrealism art movements. Classified as a genre painting, this artwork reflects a narrative through its subject matter and artistic composition.
The artwork features a complex interplay of figures and motifs. On the left side, a child can be seen, framed within a detailed, almost patterned backdrop, reminiscent of a curtain with intricate floral designs. This contrasts with the right side, where figures of women appear, perhaps engaging in a domestic or symbolic act. Above them, an old-fashioned television set displays a scene that adds to the mysterious and surreal nature of the piece. The combination of these elements invites the viewer to contemplate the underlying social themes and symbolic meanings behind the depicted scenes.
