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Die Hölle (Hell). Title page: Selbstbildnis (Self-Portrait)
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? DACS 2004

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Die Hölle (Hell). Title page: Selbstbildnis (Self-Portrait) 1919
This is the title page of Beckmann?s set of lithographs entitled `Hell.? These lithographs chronicle the period of lawlessness, social decay and misery in Germany following the November Revolution of 1918. Dressed in the ruff of a clown and breaking out of the picture frame towards the viewer, Beckmann himself invites us to follow him on a tour of war-ravaged Germany. A text below the self-portrait states, `We ask our esteemed public to step forward. You will not be bored for ten minutes. Anyone who is not delighted gets his money back.?

Glossary Open

Lithograph

A printmaking technique using a stone or zinc plate to which the image is applied with a greasy material. After wetting the plate, greasy ink is applied. The ink sticks only to the drawn image and not the wet surface, thus creating a reproduction when applied to paper.

November Revolution, 1918 (Germany)

A series of events in Germany at the end of First World War that led to the abdication of the Kaiser and the establishment of a republic. It was a relatively bloodless revolution, motivated in part by a desire for peace.

Lithograph, November Revolution, 1918 (Germany)

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 2465 A
  • Medium Lithograph
  • Size 87.00 x 61.00 cm
  • Credit Purchased 1981

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