Tolstoj and Gandhi 1933

Vajda Lajos created this collage, Tolstoj and Gandhi, with paper and glue, assembling a constellation of figures, symbols, and faces. Dominant is the looming, bearded visage of Tolstoj. In contrast, Gandhi is diminutive, almost an afterthought. Notice the dove, a symbol of peace, cradled by a child, juxtaposed with images of conflict and strife – an inverted soldier. The symbolism is layered, hinting at the complex relationship between violence and pacifism embodied by both Tolstoj and Gandhi. Like the mythical Phoenix, the image of the dove reappears throughout history, from ancient Mesopotamian art to modern political discourse. This symbol transcends its original context, continually reborn, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of generations. The way these symbols come back reveals how cultural memory and our subconscious shape how we make and see images. These images stir us deeply, resonating with our most profound emotions and fears.