Untitled 

This print by Bernhard Hasler, born in Switzerland in 1884, encapsulates the artist’s preoccupation with themes of theatre, revelry, and societal critique. Living through both World Wars, Hasler's art often reflects the anxieties and moral ambiguities of his time, using satire to dissect the follies of human behavior. Here, we see a theatrical scene framed by ornate, almost grotesque figures, creating a sense of a world turned upside down. The central image evokes a sense of drama and conflict, perhaps hinting at the tensions simmering beneath the surface of early 20th-century society. Hasler was known for his sharp wit, and his prints often carry a biting commentary on social norms and political absurdities. The surrounding characters seem to be in a state of frenzy, which serves as a metaphor for the chaos and moral decay that Hasler saw in the world around him. This piece makes us consider the artist’s emotional response to the changing world and invites us to reflect on our own roles within the theater of life.