Catalogue information

LastDodo number
5388529
Area
Drawings / paintings
Title
Orphée
Art object
Art Movement / style
Technique used
Colouring
Dimensions
55 x 43 cm
Series / hero
Collection / set
Number
Addition to number
Year
1918
Country
Language
Details
Original cartoon on card in pencil and watercolour, 1918, no indication of where and if it was published, shows Kaiser Wilhelm as ‘Orphée’ (Orpheus) attempting to enthral the five-headed serpent with his lyre. The heads of the serpent represent the allied powers against which Germany has been fighting in the First World War: USA (Uncle Sam), Italy, France (Marianne), Britain (John Bull) and Belgium. Just as his attempt to rescue his beloved Eurydice from Hades failed, it is unlikely he will succeed in charming this particular serpent. Lafnet was a Belgian comic strip illustrator and also produced more risqué work under various pseudonyms, including ‘Jack Black’. Card size 55 x 43 cm, image size 45 x 35 cm, signed and dated lower right, caption in lower border. Matted for an overall size of 62 x 52 cm. Some wrinkling of the card, otherwise in good condition.