Czar Hitler. New York, 1941.

SZYK, Arthur. Schicklgruber, Czar of All the Russians. (For the Szyk series, “A Madman’s Dreams”). Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. 1941”. Black ink and pencil on paper. Sheet size: 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″. Image size: 9 3/4″ x 9 1/2″. Marginal mat burn otherwise Very Good condition.

In June of 1941, Germany invaded Russia, hoping to acquire the European heartland and gain access to the rich oil in the Caucasus and the equally vital Ukrainian wheat fields. Control over Mother Russia would put Adolph Hitler on a very gilded throne indeed, one left vacant since the overthrow of the Czars a scant few decades earlier. Unfortunately for Hitler, he spread his front line far too wide and north and the brutal Russian winter, aided by the heroic resistance of the Soviets defeated the Hun.

Arthur Szyk’s drawing, places Hitler squarely on the longed for Soviet throne. He brandishes the orb and scepter of royalty while resting his feet on the bleached white skulls of those foolish enough to challenge his might. The scaffolds of four hanged men balance the lower corners of the piece in tandem with four onion domes of St. Petersberg. The grim determination of his face, tells all. The Cyrillic script below the detailed illustration reads “Schicklgruber — the first omni ruler of the whole of Russia.”

A note on the name “Schicklgruber”: Hitler’s father, Alois Hitler, was the illegitimate son of Maria Anna Schicklgruber. Prior to her marriage to Johann Georg Hiedler, her son was named Alois Schickgruber. He changed his name to Hitler 13 years before his son Adolf was born – hence, Szyk’s mocking reference to Adolf Hitler as (Adolf) Schicklgruber. Szyk made use of this name in other drawings as well.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Sale, New York, Mrs. Arthur Szyk, May 11, 1965, lot 39A.

Publishing History: The American Mercury magazine, Ocotber, 1941, p. 411. Accompanied with a note by the publishers: “The distinguished Polish artist, now residing in the United States contributes a monthly commentary on the news of the world drawn especially for readers of The American Mercury.”