Even if the World is Full of Devils

Art Historical Context

**Even if the World Full of Devils** *to Greiner, ca. 1915* Graphite on paper, 13 5/8 × 19 3/4 in. (34.6 × 50.2 cm) *Metropolitan Museum of Art, York* Created around 1915 by German artist Otto Greiner, this poignant graphite drawing captures a moment of defiance amid turmoil. Greiner, renowned for his meticulous academic drawings blending realism with symbolic depth, employs fine graphite lines and subtle shading on paper to evoke texture and emotion. The medium's intimacy allows for intricate details, making it a masterful study in light, shadow, and human form—hallmarks of early 20th-century draughtsmanship. The title draws from Martin Luther's hymn *A Mighty Fortress Is Our God*, evoking spiritual resilience: "And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us." Tags like "Men," "Soldiers," and "Devil" suggest soldiers confronting infernal forces, likely reflecting the horrors of World War I, which raged across Europe at the time. Rendered with Greiner's precise technique, the work symbolizes courage against overwhelming evil, blending military grit with allegorical menace. Housed in the Met's Modern and Contemporary Art department, this gifted drawing (1990) offers visitors a window into wartime psyche—where personal faith clashes with global chaos—inviting reflection on humanity's enduring spirit.