Die Lehre Des Wolfes (1891-1968)

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Politics - Photography - Photomontage - Germany - Anti-Semitism

John Heartfield’s Die Lehre des Wolfes (The Teaching of the Wolf) is a striking example of his mastery of political photomontage, a technique he pioneered to expose the dangers of fascism and authoritarianism. This powerful composition presents a grotesque anthropomorphic wolf, dressed in military regalia, addressing a group of farm animals. The image serves as a biting satirical critique, likely targeting the deceptive rhetoric of totalitarian leaders who manipulate the masses for their own gain.

Heartfield, a German artist closely associated with the anti-fascist Dada movement and a fierce critic of the Nazi regime, frequently used visual irony to challenge propaganda. In this work, the wolf—traditionally a symbol of cunning and predation—is portrayed as a figure of authority, dictating to an audience of sheep, goats, chickens, and other livestock. The accompanying text reinforces the theme, suggesting that the idea of "animals" as a unified group is an illusion—each species exists only to be consumed by the wolf, mirroring the ways oppressive regimes divide and exploit society.

Created in the context of the 1930s and 1940s, Heartfield’s work was a direct challenge to the growing influence of fascist ideology in Europe. His photomontages, published in leftist magazines and posters, were acts of visual resistance, exposing the hypocrisy and brutality of political leaders. Die Lehre des Wolfes remains a timeless warning against manipulation, dictatorship, and the dangers of blindly following authority.

Today, this piece is celebrated not only as an artwork but also as a historical document of resistance, reminding viewers of the enduring power of visual satire in the fight for truth and justice.The "working session of the Reich professional group of higher education professors of the League of National Socialist German Lawyers", which met under the chairmanship of Professor Carl Schmitt, established the following principle: "The concept "human being" must be rejected. It distorts and distorts the differences between Volksgenosse, Reichsbürger, foreigner, Jew, etc.
"The notion of 'animal' must be rejected. It distorts and falsifies the differences between the sheep, the hen, the goose, the donkey, the horse, the rabbit, the calf, the goat, in short, those beings who are only there to be eaten by me.”

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