The artwork titled “Capitalism is Robbing Them of Their Last Piece of Bread” was created by John Heartfield in 1932. It belongs to the art movement known as Dada and is categorized as an illustration.
In the artwork, a young child is depicted holding and about to eat a piece of bread, highlighting a poignant and distressing scene. The imagery is stark in its contrast and symbolism, likely intended to evoke a strong emotional response. Above the child, the title is inscribed in bold letters, reinforcing the message of the visual representation. The text, which translates to “The last piece of bread is stolen by capitalism,” suggests a critique of the socio-economic conditions of the time. Additionally, the lower portion of the artwork exhorts viewers to “Fight for yourselves and your children!” and implores them to “Vote for Communists! Vote Thälmann!”, indicating a political plea to the audience to support communist ideals. The overall composition and messaging reflect Heartfield’s engagement with socio-political themes and his utilization of art as a tool for activism.
