Cartoon, German soldier with two women, WW1
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Cartoon, German soldier with two women, WW1
Cartoon, Vae Victoribus, showing an invading German soldier on friendly terms with two local women near Vise, Belgium, during the early days of the First World War. Date: September 1914
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Media ID 14128380
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Apron Attracted Attraction Belgian Chatting Friendly Human Invading Invasion Relaxed Rifle Vise
Vae Victoribus
EDITORS COMMENTS
- "Woe to the Conquered" - this satirical cartoon from the early days of World War I captures an unexpected moment of human connection amidst the chaos and destruction of invasion. The image, published in September 1914, depicts a German soldier, rifle slung over his shoulder, in a friendly conversation with two local women near Vise, Belgium. The women, dressed in traditional aprons, appear to be engaged in the soldier's stories, their expressions suggesting amusement and curiosity. The cartoonist's use of humor and irony is evident in the title "Vae Victoribus," a Latin phrase that would typically be used to express sympathy for the defeated. In this context, however, it takes on a new meaning as the German soldier, the "conqueror," seems to be enjoying the company of the local women, suggesting that the power dynamics of war may not be as straightforward as they seem. The relaxed and informal scene contrasts sharply with the harsh realities of the war, which had already claimed countless lives and caused widespread devastation. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for connection and empathy, even in the most trying of circumstances. This historical cartoon, with its intriguing depiction of an unlikely interaction between a German soldier and local women during the early days of the First World War, is a valuable addition to any collection of wartime imagery. The cartoonist's skillful use of humor and irony adds depth and nuance to our understanding of this complex and pivotal period in history.
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