Loading

This work was painted at the height of the First World War, which seems to be its subject. Men and women in rigid poses, their mouths crying in silent unison, seem trapped on a carousel that revolves endlessly. Gertler was a conscientious objector. He lived near London’s Hampstead Heath, and may have been inspired by an annual fair held there for wounded soldiers. The fairground ride, traditionally associated with pleasure and entertainment, is horrifically transformed into a metaphor for the relentless military machine. He explained, ‘Lately the whole horror of war has come freshly upon me’.

Details

  • Title: Merry-Go-Round
  • Creator: Mark Gertler
  • Creator Lifespan: 1891 - 1939
  • Creator Gender: Male
  • Date Created: 1916
  • Provenance: Purchased 1984
  • Physical Dimensions: w1422 x h1892 mm
  • Original Title: Merry-Go-Round
  • Type: Painting
  • Rights: Tate
  • Medium: Oil paint on canvas

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps