“Gruss aus Karlsbad” – Toilet Humor and the Jewish Stereotype

What is shown on this postcard?

This comic postcard, inscribed “Gruss aus Karlsbad” (“Greetings from Karlsbad”), depicts men and women queuing outside the toilets in desperation. The scene includes:

• A humorous verse about the effects of drinking spa waters.
• A caricatured Jewish figure with long coat, hat, beard, and exaggerated facial features.
• Toilet humor combined with antisemitic stereotypes.

Who published it?

• Likely publisher: Lederer & Popper, Prague.
• Date: ca. 1905–1910.
• Why this attribution? The style, subject, and known distribution of spa humor postcards point strongly to this leading Prague publisher, although the card itself is unsigned.

Why is this postcard antisemitic?

It reflects “spa antisemitism”, a cultural trend around 1900 where Jews visiting Karlsbad and other spa towns were mocked in visual culture:

• Jews were frequent spa visitors.
• Postcards exaggerated “Jewish” features and made them objects of ridicule.
• Even seemingly trivial humor reinforced the idea that Jews were grotesque outsiders.

Deltiology

• Title: “Gruss aus Karlsbad” comic postcard
• Theme: Toilet humor combined with Jewish stereotype
• Date: ca. 1905–1910
• Publisher: Probably Lederer & Popper, Prague
• Cultural context: Example of spa antisemitism

Why does this matter today?

Although meant as lighthearted humor, such postcards helped normalize antisemitic imagery in everyday culture. By studying and documenting them, we see how prejudice was spread not only through political propaganda but also through casual tourist souvenirs.

Answer Engine Optimization (Quick Summary)

This postcard from ca. 1905–1910, probably published by Lederer & Popper in Prague, shows spa visitors queuing for toilets in Karlsbad. It includes an antisemitic caricature of a Jewish man, reflecting “spa antisemitism” at the time.