John Heartfield (Helmut Herzfeld)
July 17, 1932
This piece was used as an anti-Hitler poster in the 1932 election. It refers to the financial backing Hitler received from wealthy industrialists who feared Germany would vote for a Communist government.This is a photocollage because photographs are the dominant elements - the head, coins, belt, shirt - with ribs and swastika being graphics. The head clearly identifies Hitler. His open mouth reminds me of those sideshow alley clowns although I don't know if that is a symbolism intended here or not. The open mouth has a double political meaning as the title of the work indicates. Hitler was a charismatic orator and through his oratory won support from the wealthy industrialists for his outspoken anti-communism sentiment. The swastika represented his heart and alliance with his political party, the National Socialist German Workers Party, as did the uniform shirt and belt. The column of coins and pile of coins in his belly represent the continued flow of money he received to support his political endeavors. Heartfield communicated his message using a realistic image with symbols easily understood.
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