Der Spiegel Analysis

Aesthetic

The image uses a vandalism like style which is suggested through a stencil-esque finish. This links to the theme of the illustration, which is opposing the election of President Trump. There's also quite a simplistic finish seen in the limited use of colour and shape. This helps to emphasise the scale of the issue being addressed due to only a small amount of detail being required to communicate the argument. It's fairly obvious to most that it's President Trump decapitating the Statue of Liberty.

Social

The image also uses key colours such as red which has connotations of danger. Something globally associated with the colour due to many more mundane pieces of design such as signage where red is used to express a warning. This therefor suggests Trump as a dangerous person, which considering the amount of support for him in America, is quite a controversial opinion to voice.

Political

The Statue of Liberty was originally a gift from France to celebrate Americas freedom (democracy). This information therefor implies that the election of Trump will mean a total loss of that freedom, suggested by him beheading the Statue of Liberty. Similarly the use of the words, "America First" relate to Trumps rallies and his patriarchal ideals for America. The phrase also has links to the AFC (America First Committee) which was a notoriously anti-Semitic group.

Technological

The work has been produced digitally but has quite a simple and traditional feel to it due to the lack of colour variations. The limited palette gives hints toward screen print processes or similar traditional methods. This traditional feel may help to gain a larger amount of trust in people viewing the piece as its more relatable to because the recognisable style.

Historical

Linking to what was said in the last header, the traditional style also can be likened to the political and wartime propaganda that was seen during times such as WW1/2. This is in fact quite a statement in itself as it draws similarities between those times (of war) and now. Insinuating that our current climate may be a lot more turbulent than many believe.

Cultural

The cover is most likely aimed toward Western society. It looks to be portraying an anti-capitalist stance, which is revealed by the image of a suited white man beheading the figure of democracy. Also the fact that this is displayed in a German magazine exasperates the magnitude of the problem at hand. Because it is not something that is restricted to America. With them being one of the most powerful countries in the world, this election therefor poses a risk to countries worldwide, and Rodriguez has used his platform to illustrate this well.