Equality (Money) 1902

This is Frantisek Kupka's "Equality (Money)." It's difficult to specify a date or medium, but the lithographic style suggests it may have been a print in a periodical. At first glance, the most striking feature is the grotesque figure towering over a crowd, its swollen belly catching light like a malevolent sun. Kupka uses dynamic, swirling lines to build form, creating a sense of unease and instability. The color scheme is monochromatic, heightening the drama. But what does it all mean? The semiotic elements within the work offer clues. We see the words, "Law in the name of the People" inscribed on a tablet, while people at the bottom are reaching up to a golden figure that is plump with the shape of currency. Kupka uses the symbolism of the golden calf to draw a comparison to how the "people" adore money. Through this structure, Kupka challenges the notion of equality. Ultimately, Kupka uses the formal elements of this print to create a critical discourse on power, law, and social order. This work remains an important example of how art can function as a catalyst for social commentary.