Metropolis (Dix)

The term "Metropolis (Dix)" refers to a series of paintings by German artist Otto Dix created between 1927 and 1928. The most prominent work in this series is the triptych Großstadt (Metropolis) housed in the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.

The triptych depicts a stark contrast between the glamorous, decadent lifestyle of the wealthy in the Weimar Republic and the grim realities of poverty, war-wounded veterans, and social alienation prevalent in the same era. The central panel shows elegantly dressed dancers and revelers, reflecting the city's vibrant nightlife. The left panel portrays maimed and disfigured war veterans begging on the streets, a direct consequence of World War I and a critical commentary on the societal disregard for those who sacrificed for their country. The right panel depicts prostitutes and impoverished individuals, illustrating the moral decay and social stratification of the time.

While "Metropolis" is the commonly used title for the triptych, it is crucial to understand the context of Dix's work within the Weimar Republic and the broader Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement. He sought to portray reality with unflinching honesty, rejecting romanticism and idealism in favor of a harsh and often grotesque depiction of society. His "Metropolis" serves as a powerful indictment of the social and economic disparities of the Weimar era. The other works sometimes considered part of the "Metropolis (Dix)" series explore similar themes, often focusing on the darker aspects of urban life and the psychological effects of war.