In 1934, Grossberg created a monumental mural commissioned by the Reichsministerium für Volksaufklärung und Propaganda (Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda) for the Berlin exhibition 'Deutsches Volk – Deutsche Arbeit' (German People – German Work). The mural, which no longer exists today, was 45 metres long and up to 12 metres high. Depicting a large-scale industrial landscape, it was located in a hall on the exhibition grounds on Kaiserdamm in Berlin. The work has been preserved only in photographs and in the form of the maquette, which Grossberg used to create the monumental format on site with the help of up to four assistants.
For decades, this commission served as a starting point for research into Grossberg's attitude towards National Socialism and his possible support for the Nazi regime. It is now assumed that Grossberg accepted this commission to alleviate his financial hardship. He was not a member of the NSDAP. Quite the opposite: He and his wife were considered 'ideological opponents of National Socialism' in Sommerhausen. They were also accused of being communists.
The surviving preliminary sketches provide interesting insights into how Grossberg structured his work, making several changes to the elements before ultimately assembling them.
Further Media
- Location & Dating
- 1934
- Material & Technique
- Öl auf zwei Sperrholzplatten
- Museum
- Harvard Art Museums/Busch-Reisinger Museum, Schenkung von Merrill C. und Dalia
- Inventory number
- X26.086