“Merzbild Rossfett” is an assemblage by the artist Kurt Schwitters, dating from around 1919. This artwork exemplifies the Dada art movement and embraces an abstract genre. It is modest in size, measuring 20.4 cm in height and 17.4 cm in width. Currently held within a private collection, this piece is a testament to Schwitters’ innovative use of materials and his contribution to Dadaism.
The artwork is a complex composition that includes an array of textures and materials. At a glance, one can observe the use of wood, paper, and metal, all interwoven to create a visually intriguing tableau. The central elements of the composition seem to revolve around circular and rectangular shapes, interrupted by the eclectic textures and materials that give the piece a three-dimensional quality.
The inclusion of the word “Rossfett” and the image of a heart at the top may suggest an element of commercial or everyday ephemera, reflecting Schwitters’ interest in incorporating found objects into his art. The layering of materials and the organic yet deliberate arrangement of items reveal a balance between chaos and order, a hallmark of Dada artworks—which often sought to challenge traditional notions of aesthetics and the role of art in society.
The use of industrial and found objects, combined with a restricted color palette that leans heavily on natural wood tones with splashes of blue, white, and red, contributes to a sense of both decay and resilience. Light and shadow play across the various textures, giving the artwork a dynamic feel that changes with the perspective of the viewer.
Ultimately, “Merzbild Rossfett” serves as an enduring piece of Dadaist assemblage, showcasing Schwitters’ innovative approach to art-making during a period marked by upheaval and the questioning of conventional values.
