THE WORLD IS CHANGING – SATIRICAL PRINT ON “OUR TIME”
“Unsere Zeit.” Hand-colored lithograph created by an anonymous artist around 1850. Size: approx. 34 x 41.5 cm.
The mid-19th century was a period of intense societal changes, including the Industrial Revolution, the political revolutions of 1848, and the rise of new social classes and movements. These are highlighted in this satirical print.
The world’s first self-propelled mechanical land-vehicle was invented (by Nicolas Cugnot) in 1769. Steam plows were further developed from the 1840s-1850s onward. In the image at the top left, we see a plowing machine that resembles Cugnot’s vehicle. The farmer can now smoke a pipe and read while working.
In the image at the top right, we see a man riding a pig while holding a sausage. Probably referring to self-indulgence and uncivilized habits, symbolizing someone who has acquired wealth without refinement.
To the left of the center, a woman is being bitten by a dog. This scene might refer to the fears and social tensions that accompanied urban growth and the changing role of women in society. In the 19th century, women were gradually emerging in public and political spheres, which was threatening to some. The attack by the dog is a metaphor for the “attacks” women faced when they attempted to claim their place in society.
At the same time (to the right of the center), a man is being hit by a woman with a jug. Likely referring to the rise of feminist ideas and the resistance against them. Domestic violence, but in reverse, where the woman is the aggressor, symbolizes an inversion of the traditional male-female roles of the time.
In the scene at the bottom left, a woman stands on the back of a carriage, holding an umrella over the man (the coachman or a social climber?) who is being driven. A man in uniform sits on the driver’s seat, controlling the carriage. This suggests a reversal of traditional roles and points to the societal changes and tensions in the mid-19th century.
The airship at the bottom right was a new technology developed by pioneers like Henri Giffard and also references “our” fast, modern times. The rapid growth in technology drastically changed society.
Price: Euro 475,-
