The symbolism of the broken piece of statuary in the foreground is a startling
representation of an image of the past. It could indicate the collapse of ancient
stability and well being before the advance of the two storm troopers entering the
archway. The Harlequin, a satirical symbol, is saying to the Pope: "Can't you see?
What are you going to do about it?" The Pope, immersed in the written word of the
Church and with his eyes veiled from reality by the symbolic darkened glasses, replies,
"Silence" He (the Church) will not help the Jews (humanity) as the Nazi's take
over Paris.
The religious expressions of this composition are those of a humanist recognizing the
more candid and honest realities of human nature. In "Fantasy," man's pilgrimage
to salvation has stopped; in the "Lynchings" social injustice is the rule in
white dominating society. Fontaine held high ideals for humanity and these two
compositions express his protests against mankind's failure to make morally correct
choices, thereby changing and bettering society
