Wilhelm Heinrich Otto Dix was a German painter and printmaker whose work examines European society turned upside-down by war. Born in 1891, Dix joined the German army during World War I. Having witnessed horrors on the front lines, he returned from his military service with a pessimistic view of humanity.

The painter combined approaches from Dada, expressionism, and New Objectivity to create a satirical artistic style. Dix was an unconventional—but successful—portraitist. His works also explored both war and everyday life in mid-20th century Germany.

In 1933, the Nazi Party condemned Dix’s art as “degenerate” and destroyed many of his paintings. He was forbidden from incorporating social and political critique into his work for the duration of the Nazi regime. Following World War II, Dix continued to paint until his death in 1969.