Judge — September 29, 1917 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Hohenzollern Closet" This political cartoon satirizes the German imperial Hohenzollern dynasty by depicting their "closet" — a storage space filled with skeletons and bones. The image uses the common metaphor of "skeletons in the closet" (hidden shameful secrets) to critique Germany's history. The ornate Germanic heraldry and decorative elements frame the darkly humorous scene. The skeletons represent Germany's violent past — likely including military aggression, imperial atrocities, or authoritarian abuses. The "closet" conceit suggests these historical crimes were deliberately concealed or ignored by the German establishment. Published in *Judge*, a satirical American magazine, this piece reflects early-to-mid 20th century American criticism of German imperial militarism and the Hohenzollern dynasty's controversial legacy.