George Grosz
American, born Germany, 1893 - 1959Ledebour, 1922
Not on view
Lithograph on paper
Dimensions14 1/4 × 10 1/2 in. (36.2 × 26.7 cm)
Image: 11 7/8 × 8 7/16 in. (30.2 × 21.4 cm)
Gift of Mr. William E. Voldrich, 1984.10.2
After his traumatic experiences in World War II Grosz’ art became rich with social commentary, representing what he saw as the decay of German society, politics, and culture. Grosz was involved in left-wing pacifist activities, participating in protests, and cofounding and contributing to leftist publications. Bolshevism was a term used to by the Nazis to denounce those who threatened the new regime. Because Grosz was affiliated with the German Communist Party and created art that criticized German military and government he received the title “Cultural Bolshevist Number One.” In 1933 he and his family immigrated to New York.
This lithograph depicts George Ledebour, a Socialist German politician and journalist. In 1886 he helped found the Democratic Party in northern Germany. An advocate for political and social revolution Ledebour stood with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) against WWI. He spoke out against war as a leading member of the committee of the Spartacist Uprising and advocated for workers rights as a member of the executive council of Workers’ and Soldiers Council. He left Germany as Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power but continued to speak out against imperialism and for workers rights.
