Der Mann im Rollstuhl
Ferdinand Freiherr von Reznicek
1908
A glamorous woman in a flowing white gown stands in a dimly lit, opulent room, seemingly dismissing the stern-looking man in the doorway in this 1908 illustration by Ferdinand Freiherr von Reznicek. The German caption delivers a dark punchline: 'Push my husband into the ironing room, I have some lively company today.' This witty satire, typical of Reznicek's work in the famous magazine Simplicissimus, suggests the wife is callously banishing her disabled husband to a utility room to make space for lovers. The contrast between her light, airy dress and the heavy, dark wallpaper perfectly captures the superficiality and hidden cruelties of aristocratic life.