Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Terezin, Latrines

Name Class Date

troller, norbert, Terezin, Latrines (1942), Leo Baeck Institute. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
troller, norbert originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/troller-norbert/
Artist’s dates
1896 – 1984
Painted
1942
Medium
Drawing
Original size
11 x 21 cm
Period
Modern
Held at
Leo Baeck Institute originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/leo-baeck-institute-new-york-city/
Subject or theme
Life in Theresienstadt concentration camp

In context

Terezin, Latrines — troller, norbert

How big is it?

The original measures 11 × 21 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1890
  2. 1900
  3. 1910
  4. 1920
  5. 1930
  6. 1940
  7. 1950
  8. 1960
  9. 1970
  10. 1980

Shaded: the lifetime of troller, norbert (1896–1984) ▲ this work, 1942

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #444133

    Catalogued palette

    • #444133
    • #F5E8C5
    • #685C42
    • #A08455
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    Terezin, Latrines — troller, norbert

    A Silent Witness to History

    In the hauntingly sparse lines of "Terezin, Latrines," we encounter more than just a drawing; we enter a visceral moment of survival captured by the hand of Norbert Troller. Created in 1942, during the harrowing period of his interment in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, this work serves as a profound piece of visual testimony. The scene unfolds within a subterranean or basement-like space, where a group of individuals gathers on a dirt floor. There is an unsettling stillness to the composition, a heavy atmosphere that hangs over the figures as they navigate the grim realities of their confinement. Through his architectural eye, Troller captures the starkness of the environment, transforming a mundane and desolate setting into a powerful meditation on human presence amidst systemic deprivation.

    The technical execution of this piece relies on the raw power of black and white imagery to convey depth and emotion. Without the distraction of color, the viewer is forced to confront the textures of the scene—the gritty, uneven surface of the earth and the stark shadows that define the room's boundaries. Troller’s background as an architect is subtly evident in the way he structures the space, using the placement of figures and objects to guide the eye through the gloom. The presence of two solitary handbags, positioned almost like forgotten relics near the center and right of the frame, introduces a poignant layer of symbolism. These small, personal items serve as heartbreaking reminders of the lives interrupted and the belongings stripped away, acting as anchors of humanity in an otherwise dehumanizing landscape.

    The Resilience of the Human Spirit

    To look upon this work is to engage with the concept of art as resistance. For Troller, sketching was not merely a way to pass the time; it was a vital method of documenting the truth when the world sought to erase it. The composition captures a sense of communal endurance, where the gathering of people in such a bleak setting suggests a shared, silent strength. There is a profound emotional weight in the way the figures are rendered—some drifting into the background shadows, others standing with a quiet, watchful intensity. This creates a rhythmic tension between the visible and the obscured, mirroring the uncertainty of life within the camp.

    For collectors and lovers of historical art, "Terezin, Latrines" offers an opportunity to possess a fragment of a much larger, essential narrative. As a high-quality reproduction, this piece brings a sophisticated, somber elegance to any curated space, inviting deep reflection and conversation. It is a work that demands attention not through grand gestures, but through its quiet, unyielding honesty. Whether placed in a gallery setting or a private study, it serves as a timeless reminder of the capacity for the human spirit to find expression even in the darkest of hours, making it an invaluable addition to any collection focused on historical significance and emotional depth.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    troller, norbert

    Born in Brno, Czech Republic

    early life and education

    troller, norbert, a czech-american architect and artist, was born in brno, czech republic in 1896. he served as a soldier in world war i, taken prisoner by the italians but released within a year. after the war, he studied architecture at the brno technical university and later at the academy of fine arts in vienna.

    artistic expression in the face of adversity

    in 1942, troller was deported to theresienstadt concentration camp, where he utilized his artistic skills to document life within the camp. his works, characterized by their poignant portrayal of daily life, serve as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience.

    notable works and exhibitions

    troller's artwork has been featured in various exhibitions, including "terezin 1942-44: through the eyes of norbert troller" at the yeshiva university museum.

    his designs and sketches have also been showcased in the leo baeck institute's collection, highlighting his architectural expertise within the camp.

    some of his notable works can be found on AllPaintingsStore, a platform dedicated to showcasing artistic masterpieces.

    legacy and impact

    through his art, troller has left an indelible mark on history, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by those in concentration camps during world war ii. his legacy continues to inspire artists and scholars alike.

    further reading and resources

    troller, norbert | AllPaintingsStore - explore more of troller's artwork on AllPaintingsStore.

    gemäldegalerie alte meister, germany: a comprehensive guide to the old masters gallery - discover the world of european art with this comprehensive guide.

    conclusion

    norbert troller's life serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. through his artwork, we are offered a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who suffered during world war ii, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

    Museum

    Leo Baeck Institute

    On show in New York City, United States of America

    A Sanctuary of Memory: The Leo Baeck Institute

    In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, nestled within the prestigious Center for Jewish History, lies a sanctuary that transcends the traditional boundaries of a museum. The

    Leo Baeck Institute

    serves as a profound beacon of remembrance, a place where the echoes of a vanished world are preserved with meticulous care and reverence. Established in 1955 by survivors who bore witness to the unimaginable devastation of the Holocaust, the institute was born from a poignant necessity: to safeguard the rich, multifaceted legacy of German-speaking Jewry. It is not merely a repository for artifacts but a living, breathing hub of scholarly investigation, where the shadows of the past are illuminated by the light of rigorous research and cultural engagement.

    The architecture of the institute reflects its solemn yet forward-looking mission. Designed with a deliberate and striking simplicity, the space avoids unnecessary ornamentation to prioritize the intellectual exploration within its walls. This architectural restraint creates an atmosphere of focused contemplation, allowing the weight of history to resonate through every corridor. For the visitor, the building acts as a bridge between eras, offering modern research spaces that coexist harmoniously with the profound gravity of the archives it protects. It is a structure that speaks volumes about the importance of honoring what was lost while fostering the growth of new knowledge.

    To wander through the collections of the Leo Baeck Institute is to embark on an intimate journey through the soul of a culture. The holdings are nothing short of extraordinary, offering unparalleled insights into the vibrancy of German-Jewish life before the darkness of the mid-twentieth century. Collectors and historians alike find themselves captivated by the rare Jewish books—exquisitely crafted manuscripts from centuries past that bear witness to profound religious scholarship and delicate artistic expression. These precious volumes are complemented by poignant personal papers and photographic archives that capture the faces, families, and landscapes of communities forever changed. Each photograph and letter serves as a window into an era of resilience and adaptation, presenting portraits of everyday individuals whose lives were woven into the cultural fabric of Europe.

    What truly distinguishes the Leo Baeck Institute is its unwavering dedication to the nuance of identity. Unlike institutions that seek breadth, the LBI focuses deeply on the specificities of German-speaking Jewry, ensuring that the intricate details of their history are never lost to generalization. Through notable exhibitions that explore everything from the intellectual currents of the Weimar Republic to the artistic responses to wartime trauma, the institute fosters a vital dialogue between the past and the present. For the art lover and the scholar alike, the Institute offers more than just a glimpse into history; it provides an enduring connection to a legacy of profound cultural significance, ensuring that the indelible mark of German-Jewish culture continues to inspire, educate, and move generations to come.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Terezin, Latrines

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    norbert, troller,. Terezin, Latrines. 1942, Leo Baeck Institute. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/
    APA
    norbert, troller, (1942). Terezin, Latrines [Painting]. Leo Baeck Institute. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/
    Chicago
    troller, norbert. Terezin, Latrines. 1942. Leo Baeck Institute. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/
    Harvard
    norbert, troller, (1942) Terezin, Latrines. Leo Baeck Institute. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/troller-norbert-terezin-latrines-D7RSAS-en/

    Look closely

    Terezin, Latrines — troller, norbert

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: people, figures, handbags. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Priest bearing cross (1940), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. troller, norbert was about 46 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.