The painting Methusalem by
George Grosz is a quintessential representation of the Dadaism art movement. Created in 1922, this ink on paper work measures 52 x 41 cm and showcases the artist's unique style and critique of post-World War I Germany. As a prominent member of the Berlin Dada and New Objectivity group during the Weimar Republic,
George Grosz was known for his caricatural drawings and paintings of Berlin life in the 1920s.
The Dadaism Art Movement
Dadaism, also known as Dada, was an informal international art movement that began in the early 20th century. The movement was a reaction to World War I and the cultural and intellectual conformity that corresponded to the war. Dadaists rejected the logic, reason, and aestheticism of modern capitalist society, instead expressing themselves through
irrationality and
anti-bourgeois sentiments. For more information on the Dadaism art movement, visit
The Dadaism Art Movement page on ArtsDot.
The Painting: Methusalem
The painting Methusalem depicts a man holding a chess piece in his hand while wearing a suit. The man appears to be dressed as a knight or a king, with a crown on his head. He is also holding a cup and a sword. In the background, there are several other people present, some of whom appear to be engaged in conversation or playing chess. The
National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, Australia, houses a similar work by
Harold Pierce Cazneaux, titled Self-portrait. For more information on this painting, visit
Painting by Harold Pierce Cazneaux page on ArtsDot.
- The painting is a prime example of George Grosz's unique style and critique of post-World War I Germany.
- The work showcases the artist's use of satire and social commentary to express his views on the societal issues of the time.
- The painting is a significant representation of the Dadaism art movement and its rejection of traditional artistic conventions.
For more information on
George Grosz and his works, visit
George Grosz page on ArtsDot. To learn more about the Dadaism art movement and its key figures, visit
Dadaism page on Wikipedia.