Das Madchen mit der Taube und der Eule 1939 - 1940

Imre Reiner created this print titled "Das Madchen mit der Taube und der Eule" or "The Girl with the Dove and the Owl" sometime around 1940. The print depicts a nude woman resting with a dove and an owl. Reiner was Swiss-German, and his expressionist style was clearly influenced by the major artistic movements occurring in Germany. During this time many artists were concerned with the effects of urbanization and industrialization on the individual. The dove and the owl, traditional symbols of peace and wisdom, add an intriguing layer, perhaps suggesting a longing for harmony amidst the chaos. The tension between the sensual depiction of the woman and the somber, almost harsh linework invites us to consider the complex emotions and social undercurrents of Reiner's time. Delving into Reiner's biography and the socio-political landscape of Europe during the mid-20th century can offer further insights into this work. Examining exhibition records and critical responses to Reiner's work can also reveal how his contemporaries interpreted his visual language.