10872 (_Even a king …_) 1931

John Elsas made this work from paper using collage, a popular technique at the time. What's interesting here is how Elsas takes materials from everyday life to create an image of a king, or perhaps a jester, in a pose of discomfort. The figure is constructed from brightly patterned paper, maybe scraps from magazines or wallpaper, cut and pasted onto a plain background. The choice of material influences the appearance of the artwork: the texture and weight of the paper create a fragmented, almost Cubist effect. Collage allowed artists to assemble works quickly, mirroring the rapid changes of modern life and mass production. Elsas's technique engages with craft traditions like scrapbooking, elevating them to fine art. It also speaks to wider social issues: the materials reflect a culture of consumption, while the act of cutting and pasting suggests a commentary on labor and the deconstruction of traditional hierarchies. The work involved is simple, immediate, and deeply relevant to its time. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork's meaning, challenging any distinction between high art and craft.