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John Heartfield

(Berlin, Germany, 1891 - 1968, East Berlin, Germany)

S.M. Adolf. Ich führe Euch herrlichen Pleiten entgegen! (His Majesty Adolph)

1932

Photogravure

14 3/8 x 10 5/8 in. (36.6 x 26.9 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Museum Acquisition Fund

1979.20

© Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn

More Information

When this cover appeared, Hitler was licking his wounds from a political setback on August 13. Heartfield gives Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) the upturned mustache, plumed helmet and uniform of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany’s last emperor. Heartfield updates Wilhelm’s empty World War I promise, “I lead you toward splendid times!” The motto on the “Blue Max” flying medal has been changed from “For Merit” to “For Profit.”

Keywords
Politics
Photogravure
Propaganda
Germany
Photomontage
Commercial Art
World War II