Illustration to Voltaire, "La Princesse de Babilone" before 1942

Imre Reiner created this illustration to Voltaire's "La Princesse de Babilone" using an expressive, sketch-like style, a technique often employed to convey a sense of immediacy and emotional depth. Consider the social and cultural context in which Reiner was working. Born in 1900, his artistic career unfolded against the backdrop of significant social and political upheaval in Europe. The aftermath of the World Wars, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the subsequent waves of migration had a profound effect on artists. Reiner, who was a Jewish-Hungarian artist, fled to Switzerland. Perhaps Reiner sought to critique power structures and societal norms through his art. To truly understand Reiner's illustration, one could delve into the history of book illustration, studying the conventions and innovations of the genre. Further research into the artistic movements and cultural trends prevalent during Reiner's lifetime will provide a richer understanding of the art. The meaning of this art is contingent on its social and institutional context.