Description

Curatorial Narrative Adolf Friedlnder’s 1900 lithograph “Abnormittenschau” occupies a pivotal position within the Art Deco movement, where decorative arts and fine art began to converge. The artist’s deliberate choice of medium, lithography, allows for an unprecedented level of technical precision and commercial viability, while also enabling him to experiment with novel compositions. As we examine the work more closely, it becomes apparent that Friedlnder employs a limited palette of red, blue, yellow, black, and white to evoke a sense of electrified spectacle, recalling the vibrant colors and dynamic energy of turn-of-the-century circuses. When “Abnormittenschau” is enlarged to 65×44 inches, its spatial rhythm becomes more pronounced, with bold brushstrokes and geometric shapes creating an immersive atmosphere. The chromatic structure, dominated by red and blue hues, develops a rich materiality that can be effectively paired wit