The Convict (Der Zuchthäusler) 1919

"The Convict (Der Zuchthäusler)" (1919) by German artist George Grosz is a powerful lithograph depicting a stark figure standing in front of a chaotic, fragmented city background. This work exemplifies Grosz's critical commentary on the social and political issues of postwar Germany, especially the corruption and violence that plagued the nation. The disjointed, almost grotesque depiction of the city, with its sharp angles and overlapping forms, reflects the anxieties and alienation of the time. Grosz's signature style, characterized by sharp lines and exaggerated figures, lends a sense of urgency and tension to this poignant social commentary.