Gruss aus dem Moorbade – Antisemitic Spa Postcard 

This “Gruss aus dem Moorbade” postcard, printed before 1905 by Carl Garte, Leipzig, is an example of how everyday humor postcards carried antisemitic stereotypes.

Details of the Card

• Publisher / Printer: Lithography Kunstanstalt Carl Garte, Leipzig

• Series Number: 375

• 

  Date: Pre-1905 (undivided back)

• Theme: Antisemitic caricature in a spa mud bath

The Imagery Explained

The postcard shows a Jewish man bathing in the spa mud. Instead of cleansing him, the mud appears to pour out of his body, suggesting that he himself is a source of dirt. His exaggerated features and sly, almost evil expression reinforce stereotypes of Jews as physically unclean and morally suspect.

Such imagery was part of a broader trend of “spa antisemitism” in German and Austrian Kurorte (resorts), where Jewish visitors were mocked in postcards and caricatures.

Why It Matters

• Historical Insight: Shows how antisemitism was normalized in leisure culture.

• Printing Context: Produced in Leipzig, a hub of postcard lithography.

• Cultural Memory: Today, these cards are studied as evidence of prejudice embedded in everyday objects.

Disclaimer

This post documents historic antisemitism in postcards. The descriptions and analysis are for educational and research purposes only. We do not endorse the imagery or the prejudices it reflects.

Carl Garte Leipzig – History of a German Postcard Printer

Who was Carl Garte?
Carl Garte was a German printer and postcard publisher based in Leipzig, Saxony. His firm, known as Kunstanstalt Carl Garte, specialized in chromolithography and produced thousands of postcards between 1895 and 1910.

What Did Carl Garte Publish?

• Spa & Bath Postcards – humorous “Gruss aus dem Moorbade” (Greetings from the Mud Bath) series.

• Town Views (Ansichtskarten) – scenes of Leipzig and spa resorts across Saxony and Germany.

• Humorous Lithographs – caricatures, comic cards, and greetings.

Geo Focus – Leipzig, Germany

Leipzig was one of Europe’s printing capitals in 1900. Carl Garte’s workshop stood alongside other major lithographic houses, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for book and postcard printing.

Tip for collectors: When searching online marketplaces, use keywords like Carl Garte Leipzig Postkarte, Kunstanstalt Garte, or Garte litho.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO)

Q: When was Carl Garte active?
A: Roughly 1895–1910, with peak postcard output before 1905.

Q: Where was his business located?
A: In Leipzig, Germany — a major European printing center.

Q: Did Garte design the artwork himself?
A: No, most cards were printed by his lithographic workshop. Artists are usually unknown.

Conclusion

Carl Garte of Leipzig left behind a vivid record of German spa culture, humor, and town life on his postcards. Today, his cards are highly collectible and form part of Leipzig’s proud printing history.