Hausherr 

Karl Wiener made this caricature, Hausherr, using graphite on paper. It depicts an obese man in a top hat and suit, wielding a cane, features that mark him as an authority figure. Wiener was an Austrian Jewish artist who died shortly after the Second World War. Given the subject matter and the time in which he was working, it’s reasonable to view this work as a commentary on power structures and social inequalities. Consider the cultural context of post-war Europe, marked by economic disparity and the rise of oppressive regimes. This drawing might then be interpreted as a critique of bourgeois complacency and the abuse of authority. The exaggerated proportions of the figure, combined with the stark medium, create a sense of unease and critique. Understanding this artwork requires us to look at Wiener’s biography, the socio-political history of the period, and the prevailing artistic styles. This information can be found in archives, historical documents, and critical analyses.