K-233
BUT, SIR!
('Mais monsieur' -- Friedrich der Grosse)
1918, Cast bronze, satirical medal, 57.8mm, 57.90g.
Obverse: "Mais monsieur!" (Why sir?) asks Frederick the Great, as he grabs his grandson, Wilhelm II, by the ear. In background, a Dutch windmill with the words, "Sansouci-Amerongen". K•G in exergue.
Reverse: The Kaiser's empty uniform, a trophy, in the form of a scarecrow which now only guards a growing field of Democratic Socialists balloon-capped plants; a sign hangs across the chest reading "Wilhelm der Deserteur" (Wilhelm the Deserter). In background and on a small hill are gallows. In the foreground, left, a Royal court dog still lying at his masters feet, foreground, right, a common street hound lifts its leg to relieve itself on the trophy. Dated, 9 • November, 1918.
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This piece is also known in the following composition and size:
58mm Blackened Cast Iron
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Goetz is drawing a comparison between Emperor Wilhelm II and his grandfather Frederick the Great. Frederick is reprimanding Wilhelm II for losing his honor by deserting to Amerongen in Holland. The windmill in back has a double meaning; the landmark of Holland and the famous windmill of Sansouci, the castle of Frederick the Great in Potsdam.
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