The Loud Speaker c. 1936 - 1939

Victor Thall created this print, titled *The Loud Speaker*, during a tumultuous period, likely between the two World Wars. Thall, born in Nuremberg, Germany, would have been deeply aware of the shifting socio-political landscapes of Europe. Look at how the composition and the choice of black ink evoke a sense of tension and confinement, reflecting a world on the brink. The group of men are pressed together; their expressions are either tense or bored. It seems that the artist is saying something about the banality of evil here. The figures, all men, represent power and authority. Their presence around a table with papers and a microphone creates an atmosphere of decision-making and control. Who gets to be heard, and who is silenced, is a central question in this piece. The loud speaker becomes a symbol of potential abuse and propaganda. Ultimately, *The Loud Speaker* compels us to consider how power is wielded, and how easily voices can be manipulated or suppressed. It is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of authority.