Sigmar Polke’s Lingua Tertii Imperii, created in 1983, is a mixed media and lacquer art masterpiece that can be found at the Froehlich Collection in Stuttgart. The artwork’s title translates to “Language of the Third Reich” and was inspired by Victor Klemperer’s book with the same name. Klemperer’s book examines how language was subverted and manipulated by Nazi Germany’s regime, which had a significant impact on Polke.
The artwork reflects modern art’s simplicity genre while also creating an uneasy atmosphere with its offset yellow and black splotches. It is not only a visual masterpiece but also a representation of historical events. The artwork has since become famous for its portrayal of the dark side of German history.
Sigmar Polke was an influential figure in German contemporary art from the 1960s until his death in 2010. His experimentation with various materials resulted in unique pieces that influenced younger artists. Apart from Lingua Tertii Imperii, his Potato House sculpture remains one of his most well-known works.
