"The Folly Square" / "Der tolle Platz" was created in 1931 by German-Jewish surrealist painter Felix Nussbaum (1904-1944).
It is part of the collection of the Berlinische Galerie.
Turbulent goings - on at Pariser Platz in Berlin: young artists unload their paintings outside the Prussian Academy of the Arts while its distinguished professors file through the door.
In the background we see
Max Liebermann, the president of the Academy, on the roof of his house right next to the Brandenburg Gate.
He is working on a self-portrait held for him by Victoria, the goddess of victory.
She has torn herself off the Victory Column on the right of the frame, but in mid-flight she loses the laurel wreath which, since Ancient times, has been the mark of distinction for success.
Felix Nussbaum | The folly square, 1931 | Berlinische Galerie
In the foreground, in the centre of the beige-grey painting: a group of young artists in pale smocks with paintings.
More paintings are being unloaded from a vehicle on the right.
Left: professors dressed in black form a long queue three abreast.
In the background,
Max Liebermann stands on a half-crumbling building.
