Manfred Georg: "The Rebel" 1918

Curator: This etching by Walter Gramatté is entitled "The Rebel," and it depicts Manfred Georg. The dimensions are approximately 17 by 13 centimeters. Editor: My first impression is one of unease. The subject's intense gaze and the chaotic crowd surrounding him create a palpable tension. Curator: Gramatté's Expressionist style uses distorted figures and stark lines to convey powerful emotional states. The figure of "The Rebel" seems to be visually at odds with the faceless masses behind him. This is a common trope, but here it feels very internalized. Editor: Yes, and within the context of post-World War I Germany, this image speaks to the individual's struggle against societal norms and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. The question is: Who is Gramatté criticizing? And why? Curator: Perhaps Gramatté is exploring the psychological burden of dissent. The large eyes might be a symbol of clarity or an extreme sensitivity to his surroundings. Editor: I appreciate how Gramatté forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about power and identity. It remains a potent reminder of the importance of questioning authority. Curator: A powerful piece to contemplate the complexities of resistance.