Overview

Born as Helmut Herzfeld, the artist John Heartfield created some of the most memorable propaganda images of the twentieth century. Next to his graphic work for the KPD (German Communist Party) he produced over two hundred political montages with which he exposed the evils of the Nazi regime that had taken over his homeland. His life and work were rooted in a profound and simple belief in the nobility of the working class -- in their hopes and aspirations. As a KPD member his artistic work was dedicated to inform and educate them, to try to make them wise to the evils of national and international fascism, of military aggression, and of capitalism wherever he saw it promoted. His work covered the widest possible spectrum. In addition to political caricatures, he designed hundreds of books and book jackets, pamphlets, newspapers, stage sets and projections. He gave lectures and mounted exhibitions. He even tried his hand at film making. It was a career that continued during his exile in England throughout Second World War and afterwards. His life was a political montage, made up of many different roles and enthusiasms. In a long overdue retrospective, art historian Anthony Coles contextualises Heartfields revolutionary Political Life from his Art.

Full Product Details

9781845197629

Table of Contents

Reviews

A very instructive guide to Heartfields life and work. -- Die Welt A symbiosis of art historical analysis and biographical description. -- Informationen, Studienkreis zur Erforschung und Vermittlung der Geschichte des deutschen Widerstandes 1933-1945 e.V, May 2015 A scientifically-based representation, long overdue. Richly illustrated ... a hard hitting picture of the importance of this unique man. -- Lesart, Unabhangiges Journal fur Literatur, Spring 2015

Author Information

Anthony Coles is an art historian specializing in early 20th century art and architecture and medieval architecture. He taught at the Universities of California and Birmingham (UK), and later had a career in business. His longstanding interest in John Heartfield resulted in the highly commended German edition.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available