SOLDDemocracy and Tyranny, 1917
Unmounted (ref: 10306)
Signed and titled in the plate,
Lithograph
SOLDSigned and titled in the plate,
Lithograph
Provenance: David Cohen Fine Art; Private Collection
Democracy, in the form of a female figures, has been unchained, whilst the cloaked, bowed German solder symbolising Tyranny is handcuffed, and the hope for the Future, in the form of a baby is presented by another to the arms of Democracy.
Rothenstein worked as a painter, lithographer, draughtsman and writer. Born in Bradford he went on to study at the Slade School, London and the Académie Julian, Paris. From 1891 Rothenstein was drawing the interest of artists such as Degas and Pissaro. He was appointed official war artist to the British Army in France, 1917-1918, and to the Canadian army of occupation, 1919. In 1931 he was knighted.
This work forms part of the portfolio The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals, a series of 66 lithographic prints commissioned by the Ministry of Information in 1917. The series provide a broad and fascinating representation of Britain’s war objectives, military activities and effort on the Home Front.
