Frontispiece for Balzac, "La Bourse" 1941

Imre Reiner's 1941 "Frontispiece for Balzac, 'La Bourse'" is a brown ink drawing depicting four framed compositions, each containing a stylized figure or still life. The artist's signature "Reiner" appears in the bottom right corner of the artwork. The composition consists of two seated figures and two still lifes. The artwork is likely related to the Hungarian artist's interest in European literature and the human condition. The artist's expressive lines and stylized figures are characteristic of his work from this period. The artwork is likely a frontispiece for a book, but the exact context and intended audience remain unknown. The stylized figures and decorative patterns in the compositions are reminiscent of Art Deco style, but the artwork also shows evidence of the artist's interest in Expressionism.