I-II 

Richard Lindner painted "I-II" with oil on canvas, presenting us with a stark composition of two figures against numbered backdrops. Lindner, a German-American artist, brings his experiences of pre-war Berlin to bear here. The painting evokes the city's cabaret culture and its attendant sense of social unease. The formal attire and the woman’s revealing corset-like garment hint at themes of performance and display, which Lindner often used to explore the artificiality of social roles. The painting was made during a time of changing attitudes towards sexuality and identity. Lindner presents us with a stylized world in which the relationship between men and women is constructed through visual codes. To truly appreciate this work, one might delve into the history of Weimar-era Germany, researching its art, literature, and social trends. Such research can shed light on the artist's concerns and the broader context that shaped his vision.