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Lüneburg, Germany – The decades-spanning body of work by renowned political cartoonist Horst Haitzinger is finding a permanent home at the Kunstarchiv (Art Archive) of the Sparkassen-Stiftung Lüneburg (Lüneburg Savings Bank Foundation). The collection, encompassing approximately 17,000 cartoons and oil paintings, represents a significant contribution to the visual documentation of post-war German history and social commentary.
Haitzinger, now 86, began his career in 1958 at the satirical magazine Simplicissimus, quickly establishing himself as a leading voice in political caricature. His work graced the covers of Der Spiegel and appeared in publications like Bunte and numerous southern German newspapers, including the Landeszeitung (LZ), where he collaborated with then-editor-in-chief Christoph Steiner for over a quarter of a century. The artist’s sharp wit and distinctive style captured the evolving political landscape of the Federal Republic of Germany, with a later focus on environmental issues.
A Legacy of Political Commentary
The transfer of Haitzinger’s extensive archive to Lüneburg was facilitated by Steiner, who recognized the importance of preserving this unique historical record. “You’ll see around 17,000 caricatures, plus oil paintings,” Steiner explained, highlighting the sheer scale of the collection. The Sparkassen-Stiftung, already a repository for the works of several artists, proved to be an ideal location. A formal agreement was recently finalized in Munich, with Haitzinger donating a substantial portion of his work to the foundation, while the Bavarian State Library will receive 10,000 pieces.
The initial handover, attended by Steiner and Haitzinger’s wife Ilse, involved approximately 500 hand-drawn works, specifically those focused on environmental and conservation themes, presented to Jeanine Passgang, the director of the Kunstarchiv. Adding to the archive’s completeness, Swiss entrepreneur Hans von Mandach, a dedicated Haitzinger collector, provided a digital copy of around 17,000 cartoons on a USB drive.
From Fax Machines to Digital Archives
Steiner reminisced about the collaborative process during his time at the Landeszeitung, describing daily phone calls with Haitzinger to discuss potential cartoon subjects, often transmitted via fax. He recalled prompting Haitzinger to address the controversial Castor transports – shipments of nuclear waste to the Gorleben interim storage facility – which sparked widespread protests in the 1990s. The Castor transports were a major political and environmental issue in Germany at the time.
Haitzinger’s work was also showcased at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Landeszeitung in 1996, with an exhibition held at the Kulturforum Wienebüttel, accompanied by a performance from cabaret artist Gerhard Polt. Steiner fondly remembers a long evening of conversation and Weißbier at the Café Glockenhof following the event.
Future Plans for the Collection
The Kunstarchiv Lüneburg plans to digitize Haitzinger’s work, making it accessible to art halls, art associations, museums, and municipalities for exhibitions. This effort will be undertaken in collaboration with the Bavarian State Library and Haitzinger’s friend, Hans von Mandach. The digitization project will ensure that this important collection of political cartoons remains available for future generations to study and appreciate.
The preservation of Haitzinger’s work offers a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of political thought and social commentary in Germany over the past six decades. His cartoons, with their “sharp pen and robust style,” as described in the original report, provide a unique and insightful perspective on the key events and debates that have shaped the nation. The Kunstarchiv Lüneburg is poised to become a central hub for research and appreciation of this significant artistic legacy.
As the archive is digitized and prepared for public access, scholars and art enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Horst Haitzinger and his enduring contribution to German political culture. The ongoing collaboration between the Sparkassen-Stiftung Lüneburg, the Bavarian State Library, and Haitzinger’s supporters promises to ensure that his work continues to spark dialogue and inspire critical thinking for years to come.
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