Der Erwerbslose (The Unemployed Man) 1920

"Der Erwerbslose" (The Unemployed Man), a poignant drawing by German artist Heinrich Hoerle, was created in 1920, a time of significant social and economic upheaval in Germany following World War I. The artwork depicts a solitary figure, dressed in military garb, with a downcast expression and a slumped posture. The figure's oversized head and gloomy features suggest a sense of defeat and despair, reflecting the plight of many Germans during this period. Hoerle's use of stark, expressive lines captures the raw emotion of the subject, while the image's overall simplicity underscores the desolation and hopelessness experienced by the unemployed. This drawing is a powerful testament to the human cost of war and its lasting impact on individuals and society.