Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

WWI Satirical Cartoon Map: 'Kill That Eagle' by J.H. Amschewitz, 1914

$2,682.18
£1,989.92
€2,250
CA$3,672.04
A$4,113.87
CHF 2,141.26
MX$50,099
NOK 27,276.84
SEK 25,687.08
DKK 17,131.88
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This fascinating serio-comic map was created by John Henry Amschewitz and published in December 1914, at the beginning of WWI. Amschewitz was a British born artist who was unable to enlist for war service due to an injury he sustained while working on a mural project in Liverpool. Instead Amschewitz focused on his interests in art and theater, themes which are apparent in this map and even the title itself: European Revue. The eagle refers of course to Germany, which has its claw on Marianne's bayonet, while its other claw is being pulled by the Russian bear. Austria is depicted as a clown with the head of an ass in one hand and Italy croons the song lyrics, "You made me love you, I didn't want to do it...," written by American Al Jolson and first published in 1913. Britain is illustrated as a domineering John Bull accompanied by the words "Business as usual," a patriotic phrase coined by British businesses to indicate that business would continue in Britain despite the war. This map was later copied by German propagandists with a mis-interpretation of the phrase "business as usual" to prove Britain's war-mongering ways. Issued folding in original printed paper self-wrappers. Although the human personification of continents and countries can be seen as early as the 14th century (on maps by Opicinus de Canestris), human and animal metaphors on maps reached a new level in Europe between 1845 and 1945 with political cartoon maps. The rise of these satirical maps reflected the momentous political and cultural changes that occurred during the time. Political leaders were caricaturized and European nations were given symbolic identities that lent humor and accessibility to the geographical map. Based on popular stereotypes, these visual representations even found their way into the classroom to help bring geography and politics to life. Original serio-comic maps are very scarce due to their ephemeral nature.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.41 in (49.3 cm)Width: 28.31 in (71.9 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
    1910-1919
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1914
  • Condition:
    Bold color with moderate scattered foxing. The covers are toned and soiled. Having visible age-toning and some edge wear, which is typical for an item of its vintage. Despite these signs of aging, it is overall well-preserved and suitable for framing.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BHZ117071stDibs: LU3054342586762

More From This Seller

View All
1877 Satirical Map of the Eastern War: Europe's Powers as Caricatured Characters
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1877 Caricature Map of the Eastern War - "Carte de la Guerre en Orient" by H. Demare Description: This 1877 satirical map, titled "Carte de la Guerre en Orient," was publis...
Category

Antique 1870s Maps

Materials

Paper

Eason's War Map of Europe, circa 1914
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Eason's War Map of Europe'. Printed in Ireland. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous. Condition: Good, ...
Category

20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique European War Folding Map, ‘circa 1915’
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique folding map of the European War (1914-1915) titled 'The Eastern Campaign '. From Petrograd to Berlin, geographically colored. Published on linen b...
Category

Early 20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the German Empire by Johnston, '1909'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Empire of Germany'. Original antique map of the German Empire. With inset maps of Berlin and Potsdam. This map originates from the ‘R...
Category

Early 20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Germany by Johnston '1909'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Empire of Germany'. Original antique map of Germany. With inset maps of Frankfurt and Munich. This map originates from the ‘...
Category

Early 20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Germany by Johnston '1909'
$238 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Antique Map of Russia in Europe by Johnston (1909)
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'European Russia'. Original antique map of Russia in Europe. With inset maps of St Petersburg and Moscow. This map originates from the ‘Royal Atlas of Modern Geogr...
Category

Early 20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Original Antique World War One Poster Hark The Dogs Do Bark WWI Dogs Of War
Located in London, GB
Original Antique World War One poster - Hark! Hark! The dogs do bark! With note by Walter Emanuel - featuring a serio-comic map of Europe at war with military soldier caricature portraits and some countries represented by dogs with Russia as a bear, a Royal Navy sailor holding leashes on warships crossing to the continent, a British bulldog seen biting German dachshund in a pickelhaube hat, a French poodle in a Phrygian cap, an Austria-Hungarian mongrel being stung by a Serbian wasp, a Swiss mountain climber, a Turk with a French bulldog, a Greek with a knife, a Spanish bullfighter, a Dutchman smiling, an Italian holding a pistol gun with the Russian Tsar...
Category

Vintage 1910s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Propaganda Poster War National Industry Of Prussia WWI Germany
Located in London, GB
Original antique French propaganda poster featuring a quote by Mirabeau at the top - La Guerre est l'Industrie Nationale de la Prusse / War is the national industry of Prussia - with...
Category

Vintage 1910s French Posters

Materials

Paper

Large Original Vintage Map of North America, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of North America Original color. Good condition Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.  
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of the War between Hungary and Prussia - Etching - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Map of the War between Hungary and Prussia is an etching realized during the 19th century. Good condition.
Category

Early 19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Map of the War between Hungary and Prussia - Etching - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Map of the War between Hungary and Prussia is an etching realized during the 19th century. Good condition.
Category

Early 19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

1790 Thomas Stackhouse Map, Entitled "Russia in Europe, " , Ric.a004
Located in Norton, MA
1790 Thomas Stackhouse map, entitled "Russia in Europe" Ric.a004 Stackhouse, Thomas Russia in Europe [map] London: T. Stackhouse, 1783. Map. Matted hand-colored copper engraving. Image size: 14.5 x 15.25 inches. Mat size: 22.75 x 23.75 inches. A beautiful example of this map of Eastern Europe...
Category

Antique 17th Century Unknown Maps

Materials

Paper