Luger in arts

Vlim · 10-06-2008, 03:48 PM

I recently acquired this original lithograph aptly titled "Parabellum". It is part of a small series printed by Berlin artist Peter Sorge (1937-2000).

It measures some 60 x 43 cm so it was a bit difficult to photograph.

Haven't organized a frame for it yet, as I've been battered by a nasty flu which caused some issues with a chronic illness and the medication I'm required to take for it....A bit of a nuisance, don't seem to get anything done at the moment....

It's a bit embarassing to have an original work of art lying around on your printer

alvin · 10-06-2008, 05:31 PM

Sorry, I stared at this picture for a few minutes, but I still could not understand what Peter Sorge trying to tell us...... a Parabellum up side down, with palm and arm stretching away from the weapon.... what does this mean?

Vlim · 10-06-2008, 05:37 PM

Hi Alvin,

It's art, you're not supposed to understand it

On a more serious side. Sorge did work for a 'James Bond' related project in 1969, describing a certain idealisation of killing which was seen in the media in those days. I think this image tries to show a link between sex, temptation, violence and a certain sense of adventure and mystery.

alanint · 10-07-2008, 09:19 AM

To my eye, the image should be displayed with the pistol on the right hand side muzzle up. Then the woman who is sitting knees to the chest becomes clearer

Don M · 10-07-2008, 09:43 AM

Maybe the picture is supposed to hang rotated 90 degrees left

Vlim · 10-07-2008, 09:47 AM

Interesting to see the way different people perceive the image.

The orientation is correct as shown, though.
I got another description from a book seller who has a catalog of Peter Sorge's work for sale and in which this image is also pictured described it as "two arms in wrestling position with an upside down pistol on left corner".

The catalog is on it's way...

Vlim · 10-08-2008, 06:10 PM

It's always good to have barbarians amongst us, they have their use.

As we always say in case of war:
'The frontline is a dangerous place to be, that's why you are going instead of me'

Vlim · 10-08-2008, 06:21 PM

Excellent, and Peter Sorge did what he did best: Create art.

10-06-2008, 03:48 PM	#1
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Luger in arts I recently acquired this original lithograph aptly titled "Parabellum". It is part of a small series printed by Berlin artist Peter Sorge (1937-2000). It measures some 60 x 43 cm so it was a bit difficult to photograph. Haven't organized a frame for it yet, as I've been battered by a nasty flu which caused some issues with a chronic illness and the medication I'm required to take for it....A bit of a nuisance, don't seem to get anything done at the moment.... It's a bit embarassing to have an original work of art lying around on your printer Attached Images

10-07-2008, 09:43 AM	#5
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	Maybe the picture is supposed to hang rotated 90 degrees left __________________ Regards, Don [email protected] Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

10-06-2008, 05:31 PM	#2
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Sorry, I stared at this picture for a few minutes, but I still could not understand what Peter Sorge trying to tell us...... a Parabellum up side down, with palm and arm stretching away from the weapon.... what does this mean?

10-06-2008, 05:37 PM	#3
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi Alvin, It's art, you're not supposed to understand it On a more serious side. Sorge did work for a 'James Bond' related project in 1969, describing a certain idealisation of killing which was seen in the media in those days. I think this image tries to show a link between sex, temptation, violence and a certain sense of adventure and mystery.

10-07-2008, 09:19 AM	#4
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	To my eye, the image should be displayed with the pistol on the right hand side muzzle up. Then the woman who is sitting knees to the chest becomes clearer

10-07-2008, 09:47 AM	#6
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Interesting to see the way different people perceive the image. The orientation is correct as shown, though. I got another description from a book seller who has a catalog of Peter Sorge's work for sale and in which this image is also pictured described it as "two arms in wrestling position with an upside down pistol on left corner". The catalog is on it's way...

10-08-2008, 06:10 PM	#7
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	It's always good to have barbarians amongst us, they have their use. As we always say in case of war: 'The frontline is a dangerous place to be, that's why you are going instead of me'

10-08-2008, 06:21 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Excellent, and Peter Sorge did what he did best: Create art.