The artwork “Settle Accounts,” created by John Heartfield in 1928, is a photomontage that belongs to the Dada art movement and falls into the genre of illustration. This piece vividly portrays several hanging figures against a backdrop of stylized numeric representations, emphasizing a politically charged narrative consistent with Dadaism’s skeptical and often revolutionary outlook.
In the artwork, the forefront is dominated by prominent figures, explicitly identified as Marx, Crispien, Keudell, Stresemann, Hitler, and Kölz, who appear to be suspended by nooses, suggesting a harsh critique or condemnation of these individuals. Surrounding the figures are large, bold representations of the number five, which could symbolize a broader numerical or allegorical significance. The background is set against what appears to be a montage of printed material, including the title “Die Rote Fahne,” further grounding the piece in political commentary. The phrase “Rechnet ab!” (which translates to “Settle accounts!”) and “Demonstriert für die Revolution!” (which translates to “Demonstrate for the revolution!”) are boldly inscribed at the bottom, reinforcing the call to action and revolutionary spirit characteristic of Heartfield’s work.
