Catalogue information

LastDodo number
6581121
Area
Drawings / paintings
Title
The new Cyrano
Art object
Art Movement / style
Material
Technique used
Colouring
Dimensions
38 x 26.5 cm
Series / hero
Collection / set
Number
Addition to number
Year
1919
Language
Details
Original political cartoon in ink and watercolour on board, published in the Daily Express, 1919, shows Sir Eric Geddes as a man of action who has already worn out a number of hats and is now wearing the ‘hat’ of minister of transport. This was a new ministry in Britain created after WWI and was given control over railways, roads, canals and ports. Geddes was in favour of a ‘nationalization transport bill’, and in particular nationalization of the railways. However, his plan met so much opposition that it was finally dropped, and Geddes himself resigned his post in 1921. Somewhat like Geddes, the romantic hero Cyrano de Bergerac had panache, but his vulnerable point was his extremely large nose which prevented him from ever expressing his love for Roxane. This vulnerability is represented here as the nationalization bill which would be a major cause of Geddes leaving the government. The caption reads: “Sir, your nose is very big.” Cyrano Geddes: “Very”. Board size 38 x 26.5 cm (15 x 10.5 inch), image size 34 x 23 cm, signed upper left, caption on pasted-on typed strip in lower border. Some grubbiness, otherwise in good condition