Henn Roode 1924–1974 Self Portrait with Scarf and Beret. 1968

On rotation: Henn Roode b. 1924 "Self-portrait (with scarf and beret)" 1968 /.../

RKM deposit note on the return

It is one of Henn Roode's best-known self-portraits, which took part in his personal exhibition in 1969 and was chosen among the few works that were also reproduced in the catalog. Henn Roode often depicted himself in self-portraits. For example, a conceptual series was completed where his face is a spreading splash of paint. The depiction of himself with a scarf and beret has the effect of an art historical quote: Roode here represents a traditional type of artist in this type of uniform. It is possible that in 1968 the emphasis on such a type from the past was also slightly political or ironic. At the same time, it is known that in those years Roode was going through a certain upheaval in his spiritual search, and therefore this self-portrait probably captures a very important moment for the artist.

Olav Maran has said that the "observation" category was very important to Henn Roode. It means: looking at something that exists and then capturing something essential in it. In this painting, Roode has done this to himself.