Anonymous (monogrammed Az On The Back Lower Right) - Ob Arm Ob Reich Im Tod Gleich - 1945-1946

ANONYMOUS (monogrammed AZ on back lower right)
Ob Arm Ob Reich im Tod gleich, 1945-1946
Wood, gilt brass, ivory and bone 
17.2 x 23 cm

Wood panel inlaid with brass, ivory and bone. Two skulls, reminiscent of the vanities, are arranged on either side of a thin cross and overhang the incised words in German: "Wer war der Tor? Wer war Weiser? Wer bettler oder kaiser? Ob arm Ob Reich, im Tode Gleich!" which translates as "Who was the fool? Who was the wise man? Which was the beggar or the emperor? Rich or poor, we are all equal in death!

Bears the following handwritten notation on the back: "Im Kriegsgefangenschaft (im Winter 45-46), à la Maison Blanche près de la Rochelle", winter 45-46.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 216