Franzosen im Ruhrgebiet - Weimar Propaganda Portfolio A.M. Cay, 1923
This rare and complete 1923 propaganda portfolio documents the political and social tensions during the French occupation of the Ruhr region in the immediate post–World War I period. Published in Berlin by Reimar Hobbing and illustrated by A. M. Cay, the set consists of ten tinted and colored caricature plates, three pages of explanatory text, and the original printed color wrappers, all preserved in the original oblong folio format.
Produced at the height of the Ruhr crisis, the portfolio reflects the charged visual culture of the early Weimar Republic, when economic collapse, inflation, and foreign military occupation fueled intense nationalist sentiment. The images present the civilian population as suffering under occupation and portray the Ruhr as a symbol of industrial strength under threat. As a whole, the work stands as a striking example of how caricature and graphic satire were mobilized as political instruments in interwar Germany.
From an art-historical perspective, this portfolio sits at the intersection of political graphics, social satire, and mass visual communication. The bold compositions, dramatic contrasts, and emotionally charged scenes are characteristic of early 20th-century propaganda imagery, designed for immediate visual impact and broad public circulation. Today, such material is sought primarily by institutional collections, historians of propaganda, and advanced collectors specializing in Weimar-era political prints and the visual culture of conflict.
Surviving examples that remain complete with all plates, text leaves, and original wrappers are scarce. Offered strictly as a historical document of its time, this portfolio is an important and confronting witness to the role of printed imagery in shaping public perception during one of the most unstable phases of modern German history.
Condition report Complete with 3 text leaves, 10 tinted and colored plates, and original printed color wrappers. Overall very good condition. Light handling wear to the wrappers and minor edge wear. Plates clean with strong impressions and good color. Light age-related toning consistent with the period. No major tears or losses observed.
Framing tips For institutional or private display, individual plates are best framed behind UV-protective museum glass with neutral off-white or warm grey matting. Simple black or dark walnut frames suit the documentary character. For preservation, the complete portfolio can also be stored flat in an acid-free archival box.
Technique: Lithograph Maker: A. M. Cay, Berlin, 1923
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