Digital Collection
Hierarchy, Josef Scharl
Josef Scharl
Hierarchy
DE
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Josef Scharl

Hierarchy, 1937

Dimensions
159.5 x 65.0 cm
Physical Description
Oil on canvas
Inventory Number
2405
Acquisition
Acquired in 2012 with means provided by the Werner Wirthle bequest
Status
On display, 1st upper level, Modern Art, room 14

Texts

About the Work

The figural pyramid appears strictly hierarchic, culminating in a leader-figure, who looks as though the person were sitting on a throne. The dignitaries’ grotesquely exaggerated features run counter to the apparent meaning of the work’s title, which can be considered as a satirical attack on the contemporary cult of authority in Nazi ideology. In terms of style, the work dialogues with both Expressionism and New Objectivity. It was executed the same year in which the Munich artist was banned from exhibiting. Ostracized as “degenerate”, the painter went into American exile shortly afterwards.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title
Hierarchy
Painter
Period Produced
School
Object Type
Physical Description
Oil on canvas
Material
Technique
Label at the Time of Manufacture
Signiert und datiert unten links: J. Scharl 1937

Property and Acquisition

Institution
Departement
Collection
Creditline
Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
Picture Copyright
© Josef Scharl
Acquisition
Acquired in 2012 with means provided by the Werner Wirthle bequest

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre
Main Motif

Iconclass

Primary
  • 51E Hierarchical Order
  • 4 Society, Civilization, Culture
  • 31D14 adult man
  • 31A2531 hand(s) bent towards the head
Secondary
  • 45D3 ranks (in the army, navy, air force)

Research and Discussion

Conservation and Restoration

Art-technology findings and/or documentation regarding conservation and restoration are available for this work. If interested, please contact .

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Last update

08.12.2023