WWI Soldier Trench Art Drawings

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WWI Soldier Trench Art Drawings

About the Item

Seventy-eight postcard-sized drawings make up this remarkable and historic collection of wartime trench art. The detailed drawings were created by individual German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers on the battlefields during World War I. Each is accompanied by captions and notes from the soldiers who composed them, offering fascinating insight into the daily lives, hopes and fears of the men who served on the front. The historic works were created over a three-year period as part of a Campaign by the Austro-Hungarian newspaper Kronen Zeitung (meaning "Crown Newspaper"), which sought to publish the words and feelings of soldiers during the conflict. The newspaper sent out thousands of blank cards to German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, directing them to illustrate the cards however they wished, and also include a caption or note. The best examples were then selected for publication. Out of the thousands of cards Kronen received, only 1,183 were chosen to be published, of which these 78 are among the very best. Each drawing is a diminutive and unique work of art that gives unprecedented insight into the mindset and daily life of the World War I soldier. The sketched reflections run the gamut of emotions, from pride and joviality to melancholy and outright fear. They represent an intriguing subset of trench art, a phenomenon that first emerged during the Napoleonic Wars. Trench art flourished during the Great War, perhaps due to the evolution of trench warfare. Soldiers were expected to spend at least 8-10 days on the front line, and some were even required to spend up to two months entrenched. These postcards reveal one way these soldiers spent those long hours. They are all also impressive works of art, symbolizing moments of beauty and humanity from the otherwise grisly battlefield. The drawings offered an emotional release for their creators, and today they represent a microcosm of one of the most harrowing eras of world history. The one-of-a-kind drawings are beautifully presented in a custom leather-bound case and supporting cradle. Measures: 14" wide x 12 1/4" deep x 3" high.

Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)Depth: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)
Style:
Other (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Early 20th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-10101stDibs: LU891121009662