Young Fritz 1942

"Young Fritz" was made by the Soviet collective Kukryniksy using printmaking techniques. Its flat planes of color and bold outlines reflect the traditions of political cartoons. This print is no masterpiece of the fine arts, but it's a potent example of visual propaganda. It depicts a German youth gleefully engaged in acts of cruelty and destruction, each panel escalating his malicious actions. This visual narrative works to demonize German culture and militarism. The print's power lies not in the complexity of its artistry, but in the directness of its message. Prints like these were inexpensive to produce, and could be widely distributed. Thus, they were an ideal medium for shaping public opinion, and bolstering support for the Soviet war effort. So, considering this work, we are reminded that art serves many functions, and exists in a world of economics and politics, not just aesthetics.