Illustration to Voltaire, "Candide" 1948

Imre Reiner's 1948 woodcut, "Illustration to Voltaire, 'Candide'", is a striking example of his illustrative work. This work features a large, faceted diamond, symbolizing wealth and materialism, above three figures in a dense, textured style characteristic of woodcuts. The figures and the diamond are rendered in a bold, expressive style, with stark contrasts of light and dark that create a sense of drama and tension, reflecting the themes of Voltaire's satirical novel, "Candide." Reiner's woodcut captures the essence of the novel's critique of societal norms and the pursuit of material possessions. The artwork is a unique blend of realism and abstraction, creating a powerful and thought-provoking image.