At the Lantern 

Max Pechstein made this lithograph titled “At the Lantern” sometime in the early 20th century. The image depicts a scene of revolutionary violence with a man hanging from a lamppost, while an angry mob marches forward, brandishing red flags. The phrase ‘À la lanterne’ refers to summary executions by hanging, which occurred during the French Revolution. This print, made in Germany, evokes this historical event. Looking at the German context of this print, we can see how Pechstein may have been motivated by the widespread social and political unrest in Germany following its defeat in World War I. The artist’s use of bold lines and stark contrasts creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, reflecting the turbulent atmosphere of the time. To understand this artwork better, we can look at primary sources from the period and consider the political and social conditions that influenced the artist's perspective. Art always reflects its social and institutional context.