Große Dame, kleiner Mann (1939)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Karl Wiener’s intriguing 1939 collage “Große Dame, kleiner Mann” (Great Lady, Little Man) is a striking exploration of scale, perspective, and societal roles. This thought-provoking piece features a dramatically oversized woman, dressed elegantly in a long black coat, lace-trimmed dress, and a chic hat, with her face portrayed in a mysterious, shaded profile. In stark contrast, a significantly smaller man, depicted entirely in silhouette, walks beside her, dwarfed not only in size but seemingly in influence and presence.The composition is set against an ethereal backdrop that includes a clear blue sky, white clouds, and a brightly shining sun, creating an almost surrealistic celestial atmosphere. The disparity in scale between the figures entices viewers to ponder their relationship and the narrative behind their journey. Wiener's use of collage technique adds a textural depth, combining photography and hand-drawn elements which emphasize the dreamlike quality of the scene.“Große Dame, kleiner Mann” invites interpretations revolving around themes of power dynamics, gender roles, and the isolation that can exist within societal expectations.