He Sat Rigid in His Place (Book XII: A Judicial Error, facing p.528) 1949

Fritz Eichenberg created this wood engraving, “He Sat Rigid in His Place,” as an illustration. Born in Germany, Eichenberg's art was deeply influenced by his personal experiences, especially the rise of Nazism, which led him to immigrate to the United States. His work often reflects themes of social justice, human rights, and the critique of power structures. This image invites us into a courtroom scene, thick with spectators peering from the balcony. The composition emphasizes the weight of the gaze, highlighting themes of judgement, visibility, and the power dynamics inherent in legal proceedings. The figures are rendered with an almost grotesque realism, underscoring the emotional intensity of the scene. Eichenberg once stated, "Art must be life; it must be an affirmation of life." "He Sat Rigid in His Place" visualizes the intersection of law, society, and individual fate. The artwork asks us to reflect on the roles we play as observers and participants in the systems of justice.