In Romano Mussolini’s production, clowns are the absolute protagonists. The artist's palette is a burst of light: intense reds, blues and dazzling greens, in an expressionist manner. Subjects and themes he often interpreted are, however, far from Expressionism, but instead they recall a unique and personal lyricism. No one knows why the master painted countless portraits of clowns. Romano never wanted to explain. Perhaps the reason is to be found in his past, or in some reason related to his individual life experience. Of course, malicious people, and not only them, could long reflect on the fact that the Duce’s son often painted characters as clowns... that the painter considered like this his father and / or the circle of fascist hierarchs that surrounded him, himself or the entire humanity? In his life Romano always kept the utmost secrecy on the figure of Benito Mussolini. Only after the main characters disappeared did he write two books: Il Duce, mio padre (2004), dedicated to private family life, and Ultimo atto: le verità nascoste sulla fine del Duce. (2005) Romano’s clowns have typical costumes of the circus, defined in detail: red nose, huge mouths covered by makeup, colourful wigs, funny bow ties and huge and ridiculous clothes. The clowns’ eyes, even behind their makeup, reveal a deep sweetness and humanity, like those of a wounded animal looking at you begging from inside a cage. While the mouth smiles, those eyes seem to sing sad melodies. It’s the eternal fate of the clown, divided between success, applause of the audience and his interiority as a man, with troubles and needs just like everyone else. In his sketches, or evening divertissements, that the artist quickly made after dinner, as a gift for friends, Romano portrays the clowns at rest, under the moon or the starry sky. In the sky the eyes of a woman appear, to whom the clown completely turns himself. Probably this is the love of the clown, eternal Pierrot and disappointed lover. It was said that those intense eyes, with their penetrating gaze and long eyelashes, incredibly resemble those of Sophia Loren, sister of the painter’s wife, with whom he had two daughters including Alessandra Mussolini, a leading exponent of Italian politics and Euro MP. (…) For some people the artist’s paintings are naive, and they show a flat painting with an easily imitable technique. In fact, years ago there was a proliferation of forgeries of Romano Mussolini’s works, who is loved more in Europe and America than in Italy. Today the author deserves more attention and consideration from the general public and the critics, regardless of his heavy surname. A painter with a thousand mysteries and questions, who gave us a fabulous circus world, made of colour and feeling. Mixed media on canvas with certificate on back. Canvas size: 70x50 cm Frame size: 74x54 cm Accurate package. Shipping via our trusted courier. No shipping outside the European Community.