DHMHTHP (Demeter) c. 1890s

This print by Osmar Schindler depicts the Greek goddess Demeter and embodies the aesthetic and cultural values of Germany at the turn of the 20th century. Made without color, the print renders Demeter resting in a field of wheat, a clear reference to her role as the goddess of agriculture and harvest. Created during a period of rapid industrialization, Schindler's portrayal of Demeter evokes a sense of nostalgia for an agrarian past. The work also reflects the rise of nationalist sentiment in Germany, looking back to classical antiquity to legitimize contemporary national identity. Artists looked to Ancient Greece to find a shared heritage. To fully appreciate this image, one must consider the social conditions in which it was produced, turning to historical sources and cultural studies to understand its meaning and impact.