The artwork, titled “Theme & Variation Decorative Plate #122 (Clown),” is a creation by the artist Fornasetti, known for his contributions to the Surrealism art movement. This piece belongs to the portrait genre, capturing a unique visual narrative in the form of decorative art.
The artwork features a detailed black-and-white depiction of a human face, which has been stylized with gold and black shapes arranged to resemble a clown’s makeup. This composition achieves a striking juxtaposition between classical portraiture and whimsical, surreal elements, characteristic of Fornasetti’s surrealistic approach. The gaze of the face is directed outward, engaging the viewer, while the meticulous detailing in the facial features contrasts with the bold and abstract additions of the clown-like adornments. The overall effect is both thought-provoking and visually intriguing, blending fine artistry with playful surrealism.