Untitled 

August Natterer made this untitled watercolor image, likely in the early 20th century, during his time as a patient in a German psychiatric institution. Natterer was one of the Prinzhorn Collection artists whose work challenged conventional notions of artistic skill and creativity. His art offers a window into the mind of someone grappling with mental illness, at a time when the medical establishment was struggling to understand mental disorders. The figure in the image is both bizarre and compelling. Is this an image of strength or vulnerability? The armored torso and weapon could represent a defense mechanism, or a delusion of grandeur. The aquatic monster suggests the inner depths of the artist's mind, full of strange and powerful emotions. To fully understand Natterer's art, we need to examine the social context of mental asylums in early 20th century Europe and how the patients were seen by the society. Archival research into medical records and cultural attitudes can help to shed light on the meaning of this disturbing and fascinating image.