The War of Machines c. late 1930s

"The War of Machines," a print created by Carl Hoeckner in the late 1930s, portrays a dark, ominous scene. The image is dominated by a swirling, smoke-like cloud engulfing a landscape filled with gears, cogs, and mechanical parts. The stark contrast between the light cloud and the dark machinery creates a sense of impending chaos, referencing the technological advancements of the era and their potential for destruction. This powerful depiction, likely a commentary on the societal anxieties surrounding industrialization, exemplifies Hoeckner's distinctive style of gritty realism.