The artwork titled “Der dritte Stand”, translated as “The Third Estate”, was created by Sigmar Polke in 1995. This piece is a part of the New European Painting movement and falls within the figurative genre of art.
In “Der dritte Stand”, Polke employs a blend of historical and contemporary elements. The artwork depicts a scene with figures seated in an ornate room, characterized by its detailed interior, which includes a large window dressed with scalloped curtains. The figures’ forms are obscured and fragmented by white and yellow geometric patterns that overlay the entire scene. These patterns disrupt the clarity and coherence of the figures, challenging the viewer’s perception and interpretation of the scene. The juxtaposition of the classical interior setting with modern abstract elements highlights Polke’s innovative approach to combining different styles and techniques.
