The emergence of political posters on a significant scale can be traced back to Europe during the First World War, where they served as powerful tools of propaganda. The strategies employed by the warring factions varied greatly—from factual representations to outright falsehoods and emotional appeals. This diverse spectrum of messaging continued to evolve with the changing political landscape. In the aftermath of the war, expressionist posters captured the nation’s collective trauma. The escalating violence of political conflict in the 1920s and 1930s was vividly illustrated in the stark motifs of posters disseminated by factions on both the extreme left and right of the political spectrum. With the ascent of the National Socialists, posters became instrumental in crafting narratives that aligned with Nazi ideology, notably through the portrayal of an idealized, “perfect” (NS) German. As the war progressed, the messaging transformed, shifting from euphoric victory to compelling calls for resilience and perseverance among the populace.

This exhibition showcases political posters from the collection of Wiesbaden resident Maximilian Karagöz. These pieces not only reflect the tumultuous history of their time but invite thoughtful engagement with the power of visual communication in politics.