George Grosz -Interrogation
“And, can’t you dance something entertaining for
us comrade, you learned this so beautifully in
Moscow, indeed.”
What is Grosz referring to in this inscription-
What does it mean?
How is the space organised in this picture?
What words best describe the shapes, col-
ours, lines, patterns, textures?
Why do you think that Grosz choose to use
these techniques and materials?
How do the techniques used support the
narrative of the painting? For example the
shaky wobbly lines used to depict the victim
may have been used to create the impres-
sion of fear.
The red is a very bright colour and in con-
trast to the other colours used. This may
draw attention to the blood and violent na-
ture of the scene.
What do the stances of the men tell us about
their roles in the scene?
As commonplace as
this kind of torture is
to these soldiers, it is
still being hidden
away. The open win-
dow is stuffed with a
blanket, to prevent
onlookers and muffle
the sounds.
Grosz’s technique is
free and fluid, and
does not seem to sit
well with the horrific
scene he depicts.
The light and easy
brush strokes and
pastel colours em-
phasise the routine
and carefree nature
of these events; it
looks almost like a
cartoon, or book il-
lustration.
Just as our eyes are drawn
to the red splashes, so too
are we drawn to the red
armband of the Nazi sol-
dier, reminding us of the
reason for the blood.