History project: 3D Gallery

Civilization and Its Discontents (1930) - Freud

Published in 1930 by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, this book explores what Freud viewed as the clashes between individuality and societal expectations. Thought to be one of the most influential books in psychology, Civilization and Its Discontents theorizes about the tensions between civilization and individuals, showing the conflict between the drive for instinctive freedom and civilization's demand for conformity. The book also criticises religion, describing it as a coping strategy for an individual to distance themself from worldly concerns. Civilization and Its Discontents highlights the controversial view that humanity is predisposed to death and destruction, and Freud's thoughts could be seen as being largely affected by World War 1 and the aftermath in Weimar Germany.

Eclipse of the Sun (1926) - Grosz

The Eclipse of the Sun was an influential artwork created by George Grosz, an artist who was a leader of the Berlin Dada movement, which criticized authority in Germany through art. This oil-on-canvas painting critiques the ignorance of the German population of the greed and corruption of the German military, industrialists and politicians, portraying the instability in Germany following WWI.

The Skat Players (1920) - Dix

The Skat Players (War cripples playing cards), is an oil-and-collage painting on canvas by Otto Dix. It represents 3 mutilated veterans playing a famous card game called Skat, and portrays the horrors of war, as the artist had been inspired 3 crippled soldiers playing cards. The slightly morbid art form is part of the Dadaism movement

All Quiet on the Western Front (1928)

Erich Maria Remarque's war novel All Quiet on the Western Front (1928) remarked on the horrors and brutalities of trench warfare during World War 1. Following an anti-war theme and message, the novel was inspired by Remarque's own experiences as a German soldier during World War 1. The novel also focuses on the severe affects of warfare on soldier's minds, describing the psychological trauma inflicted upon soldiers, as well as the terrible conditions faced and the constant exposure to danger, and the overall dehumanizing affect of war.

Berlin Alexanderplatz (1929) is a novel written by Alfred Doblin that was inspired by the chaotic landscape of pre-WWII Berlin, focusing on the square Alexanderplatz located in the center of Berlin. The book portrays the chaotic and morally corrupt side of Weimar Germany, pessimistic with its characterization of poverty, crime and the rise of extremism in Weimar Germany.

The Magic Mountain (1924)

Written by Thomas Mann, this modernist novel (written in 1924) explores the themes of illness, death, and the navigation of the world on the brink of war. The book also highlights the need for arts and culture in society, and the role of the arts and the sciences in societal advancement. It highlights nationalism, war and extremism as potentials for societal collapse, and describes the necessity of intellectual pursuit for the enrichment of society and human life.

The Threepenny Opera (1928)

Bertolt Brecht's play, The Threepenny Opera (1928), reflects on how capitalist society seems to reward behaviors like greed, selfishness and corruption, as well as highlighting the government's systemic exploitation of the poor. Brecht follows the modernist approach by using his play to engage the audience in thought on society's moral values.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, known for his work on numerous theories in quantum physics. Einstein was Jewish, and did not live in Germany during Hitler and the Nazi Party's uprising. He contributed significantly to the development of several scientific theories, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 for his work. His work, along with many other scientific discoveries, showed the development of scientific research during the golden years of the Weimar Republic.

The "Frankfurt School"

The "Frankfurt School", or The Institute for Social Research, comprised of a group of researchers and philosophers, including Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin and Herbert Marcuse. The school's work focused on understanding society, mainly focusing on capitalism. Using a Marxist approach, the school applied Marxism to a broader social theory, criticizing capitalism and mass culture. The school had a significant impact on fields such as sociology, philosophy, cultural studies and political theory. The school also explored ways to overcome oppression and to achieve a more equal society.

Ecce Homo (1922) - Grosz

George Grosz's book Ecce Homo (1922) comprised of around 100 lithographs and watercolours. It highlights the corrupt and greedy nature of the ruling class post WW1. It also examines the harsh realities and affects of war upon society and people, as well as criticising elements of the harsh peace forced upon Germany, such as the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Taking a Dadaist perspective, Ecce Homo was a criticism of the demoralization and corruption of the Weimar Era. The publishing of the book led to Grosz's trial for blasphemy, due to its provocative and satirical depictions of religious themes. George Grosz's artworks often targeted the military, the church and the middle and capitalist classes, leading to controversy over his pieces.

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History project