Bicycle Rider 1945

Peter Grippe created "Bicycle Rider" in 1945, a small etching which vibrates with energy. Grippe was deeply affected by the rise of Fascism in Europe and the subsequent war. His images often reflect themes of alienation and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism. The cubist style hints at simultaneity and movement. Each block contains a geometric rendering of a face and the spokes of a bicycle wheel. The rider appears multiplied, as if caught in the act of propelling forward. This abstraction creates a sense of emotional distance, but also speaks to the fragmentation of identity experienced during times of conflict. Despite the trauma of world events, Grippe seems to emphasize the need for the individual to press on. The bicycle becomes a symbol of resilience and forward motion, pushing against the forces that seek to immobilize. "Bicycle Rider" captures a moment of striving in the face of overwhelming odds.