One of the earliest works acquired for Ben Uri’s permanent collection in 1921, this print was included in the first collection exhibition held in Great Russell Street, WC1 in 1925. The Ben Uri Art Society met in Glicenstein’s honour in April 1921, in advance of an exhibition of his work. Minutes from 1 July 1921 recount how the Society agreed to purchase a sculpture entitled Mashiach (Messiah), but the price was eight thousand lire (Glicenstein having moved to Italy in 1897), and the exchange rate was so poor that it would have cost Glicenstein money. In October 1921 Ben Uri paid an instalment of £50 for Mashiach, and £10 was advanced to the artist to partially fund the transport of work from his studio in Rome; this sum also guaranteed Ben Uri’s choice of another sculpture for the collection. A significant portfolio of prints and sketches was also acquired. This self-portrait, from this group of works on paper, has a strong, modernist feel; yet, bony finger-like forms clasp both shoulders, suggesting a dark force, or even the presence of death itself, lurking at the artist’s back.