The artwork titled “Anschluß – Alice in Wonderland,” created by Oskar Kokoschka in 1942, belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is classified within the allegorical painting genre.
The artwork depicts a chaotic and vividly colored scene, incorporating elements that are symbolic and allegorical, as is typical of Expressionism. In the foreground, various figures appear distressed, with some covering their eyes or ears, suggesting an attempt to block out the horrifying reality surrounding them. These figures are rendered in a distorted manner, typical of Expressionist techniques, and seem to offer commentary on contemporary political and social issues. The backdrop, engulfed in flames and turmoil, features classical structures such as the “Wiener Rathaus,” adding a layer of historical and cultural context to the scene. Through its tumultuous and expressive brushwork, the painting communicates a powerful narrative filled with emotion and critique, resonating with the turbulent era in which it was created.