Reineke Fuchs and Slevogt’s Humour

The story of Reineke Fuchs is one of Max Slevogt’s favourite works. In his etchings, he transfers the tale right into the present day.

For example, Reineke appears in a boxing ring or on a harness-racing track – a direct reference to Cassirer’s passion for this sport.

Slevogt’s caricature of the art world is especially amusing. A monkey holds a broad decorator’s paintbrush instead of an artist’s brush in his hand. Reineke introduces him to the apparently expert art connoisseurs as a new talent.

But Slevogt’s Reineke is not only witty, but also modern and political. In the Weimar Republic, he becomes an unscrupulous climber in bourgeois society. He will stop at nothing to gain advantage for himself. In the end, the Grim Reaper gets him.

Stylistically speaking, this series of drypoint etchings is particularly expressive. They are among the most modern of Slevogt’s graphics.

As a thank you for their many years of collaboration, Slevogt dedicates the series to Cassirer, who thanks the artist in a letter dated 6 September 1928. In a letter dated 8 September, he also writes that he likes the work.

Dear Slevogt!

I am really very pleased with the etching plates that have been announced, and, as you can imagine, I am very surprised by the dedication you want to give to the work. I express my thanks just briefly right now. Hopefully we’ll see each other sometime soon. I will see to it with the etchings that everything is the way you want it and that the things are handled very carefully. I will then send you proofs right away. [...]

Best regards, Bruno Cassirer

Dear Slevogt!

Just a short message to say that the new plates have arrived safe and well. The little work seems to be simply charming. If I understood you correctly, there will be an etched title page and probably 2 more plates.

Best regards! Bruno Cassirer