Dirk Hart Sold at Auction Prices

Slachtoffers der Pogroms in Oost-Europa. 1919.

ARTIST: DIRK HART SIZE: 23 5/8 x 33 5/8 in./60 x 85.4 cm PRINTER: Drukkerij Kotting, Amersterdam DESCRIPTION: The Dutch culture of tolerance is palpable and tangible in this extraordinary example of humanitarian outreach following World War I. It states, "The Polish People Violated the Jews through their Pogroms" – a message from the Netherlands Committee for the Benefit of the Victims of Pogroms in Eastern Europe. The immediate subject of the poster was the Lwów Pogrom (now known as Lviv, Ukraine – about 100mi west of Kiev). During the 19h century, Lwów was known as the center of the Jewish Enlightenment and about a quarter of the city was Jewish. When Ukraine and Poland fought for control of the city immediately following the World War I armistice, Jews declared neutrality – but after Polish forces took control, Jews were accused of backing a Ukrainian position. Polish soldiers, militia, civilians and local criminals perpetrated the attack, and killed between 52 and 150 Jewish residents. The poster, shows an armed Pole leading a bearded Jewish man, the Polish crest at top left and the Star of David by the Polish soldier's foot. Remarkably, it's accomplished in the Jugenstil style of Roland Holst – though the style had become dated by that time. (Propaganda; Jewish Interest)