Old Nick, the Devil c. 1937

Editor: We're looking at "Old Nick, the Devil," a painting and drawing created around 1937 by George File. It's made with watercolor and appears to be a caricature of a devil-like figure. What strikes me is how theatrical and costumed he seems, rather than genuinely menacing. What do you make of this piece? Curator: It’s interesting that you perceive the theatricality. Considering the time this was created, we need to consider the socio-political context. The late 1930s were a time of significant social anxiety, with the rise of fascism and the looming threat of war. Caricatures, like this one, were frequently used to lampoon and criticize figures of authority. Does seeing it that way shift your perspective? Editor: I hadn't thought about it in those terms, but yes, that gives the image a lot more weight. It's like the devil isn't just a mythical figure, but a stand-in for earthly concerns. What is interesting to me is, it's like it can almost be seen as children's art but if we view it with social anxienty present at the time, is it speaking to the loss of innocence of a generation of children? Curator: Precisely! The somewhat amateurish style, the use of watercolor, the almost toy-like figure, it could all be read as a deliberate strategy. Consider how political cartoons often employ humor to deliver a sharper critique. So the artist’s presentation choices might speak to making serious things look less so. It certainly engages the anxieties of the period. Is it effective? Editor: I think so. There's a strange dissonance between the childlike presentation and the serious undertones, that really drives the point home. The green eyes and the muted cape make me uncomfortable too. This artwork definitely prompts a different kind of reflection now, by understanding that political context. Curator: Indeed, and remembering that art exists within specific societal frameworks greatly enriches the viewing experience. Editor: Absolutely, I appreciate your insight!